Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP)
Colorado imposes extra restrictions on abortion providers, despite the fact that all health-care providers already must comply with a variety of federal and state regulations governing health, safety, building and fire codes, and zoning requirements.
Restrictions on Where Abortion Services May Be Provided
Colorado has not repealed its pre-Roe law which requires that all abortion services be provided in a hospital upon written certification of a special hospital board. Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 18-6-101 (Enacted 1967).
The state supreme court held that the requirement is unconstitutional. See People v. Norton, 1973, 507 P.2d 862, 181 Colo. 47, See also Akron v. Akron Ctr. for Reprod. Health, 462 U.S. 416 (1983) (holding second-trimester hospitalization requirement unconstitutionally burdens a woman's right to choose).
Restrictions on Who May Provide Abortion Services
Colorado prohibits certain qualified health-care professionals from providing abortion services.
Only a licensed physician using accepted medical procedures may provide abortion services. Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 18-6-101(1), -102 (Enacted 1967).
