Denver, CO – Today, COLOR Action Fund, Colorado's only Latina-led Reproductive Justice action fund, launched a campaign to mobilize Latino voters in support of the ballot measure to enshrine the right to abortion access in Colorado’s state constitution. The campaign, Abortion Access for All / Acceso Al Aborto Para Todos, aims to reach over 161,200 Latino voters across Adams County and Congressional District 8 via door knocks, mail, and digital programming ahead of this November’s critical election.
This year, abortion is on the ballot in almost a dozen states. After the Supreme Court decimated access more than two years ago, voters in Michigan, Kansas, Ohio, and more made it resoundingly clear that they support abortion access. In Colorado, Latino voters overwhelmingly favor reproductive health and abortion rights, including shoring up access by ensuring care is covered by state-sponsored insurance.
“We advocate for all people seeking abortion services and recognize the disproportionate lack of access that impacts the Latino community and other communities of color,” said Dusti Gurule, President and CEO of COLOR Action Fund. “We’re fighting for a future where our community lives safe, healthy, self-determined lives. According to our third annual Colorado Latino Policy Agenda, protecting abortion rights is a mobilizing force for Latino voter turnout, with more than half of respondents indicating laws passed around the nation to limit or ban abortion make them more likely to vote. Protecting and expanding access to abortion is essential to democracy.”
To support the campaign, COLOR AF is partnering with All* In Action Fund, a national organization fighting for abortion justice and focused on building the political power of voters of color.
“Today we’re proud to join our longstanding partners at COLOR AF to galvanize and build community among Latino voters in support of abortion in Colorado,” said Lexi White, Director of State Strategies at All* In Action Fund. “For too long, politicians have ignored the voices of voters of color. With the Abortion Access for All campaign, women of color are reminding Coloradoans that while abortion may be under attack nationwide, they still have a stake in protecting their freedom and economic security at the ballot box. Colorado has long shown the nation what it means to be unapologetically bold on abortion access, and in November, voters will make clear once again that abortion justice belongs in Colorado.”
While Colorado has made strides to protect access to abortion, especially in the wake of Dobbs, people of color and those working to make ends meet do not have equitable access, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid. With the Abortion Access for All campaign, COLOR AF is engaging voters on why no one should be denied abortion because of how they get their insurance or how much money they have. Latinos in Colorado are deeply concerned about economic security, and the campaign provides an opportunity to communicate to voters why there is no economic security without abortion access.
“In Colorado, we’ve set an example nationwide for what it looks like for states to prioritize abortion access,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia (HD 35). “Still, barriers to abortion remain, especially for communities of color working to make ends meet. In November, voters will have the opportunity to declare that Coloradans believe in dignity and justice for all, and that financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of people getting the care they need.”
“Protecting the right to an abortion is one of the key issues defining my generation,” said Sayuri Toribio, Colorado organizer and activist. “As a young person, as an undocumented person, so many of my rights are in the hands of politicians and courts arguing about what’s best for me, my life, and my future. I do not want permission to have an abortion - I want the freedom to decide if and when I need it. This November, I ask Colorado voters to turn out to vote yes to protect abortion access for all.”
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Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights Action Fund (COLOR AF) works to address the imbalance of Latine representation in the state legislature by creating the infrastructure to identify and support community leaders, increase Latinx representation in elected office, build political influence, and to reframe the narrative around our issues.
All* In Action Fund is a catalyst for abortion justice, committed to building the political power of people of color working to make ends meet.