Colorado Democrats Criticize Governor Jared Polis for Describing Abortion as ‘Bad’

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, came under fire from fellow Democrats and abortion-rights groups after he described abortion as “bad” in a recent interview on CNN. In an attempt to find common ground between political parties, Polis stated that Democrats believe abortion should be minimized and focused on preventing unwanted pregnancies.

His comments drew criticism from Democratic state legislators and abortion-rights organizations who argued that abortion is a private medical decision and should not be subjected to moral judgment. They emphasized that abortion is healthcare and should be protected. Colorado’s Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights expressed disappointment in the governor’s statement, stating that Coloradans support abortion and believe it should be protected.

Democratic Representative Brianna Titone, the state’s first transgender legislator, commented that Polis, being a man, faced challenges in discussing abortion and that his soft stance on the issue upset many people. Natasha Berwick, the political director of New Era Colorado, also voiced support for abortion, stating that it is safe and good. In fact, COLOR and New Era Colorado are now selling t-shirts with the slogan “Abortion is Good/El Aborto es Bueno” to promote their belief in the importance of abortion access.

Despite the backlash, Polis has a strong pro-choice stance and signed a bill last year that established abortion as a fundamental right in Colorado. However, the controversy highlights the tension between the traditional “safe, legal, and rare” approach to abortion espoused by Democrats and the newer perspective that emphasizes abortion as healthcare.

Jon Caldara, president of the free-market Independence Institute in Denver, criticized Polis’s comments in an op-ed, stating that while some may view abortion as a better alternative to giving birth, calling it “good” is a step too far. He also took issue with the idea that men have difficulty discussing abortion. Caldara mentioned that abortion is not his primary area of focus, but he felt compelled to address the issue due to its absurdity.

Colorado has become a popular destination for individuals seeking abortion services, partly due to Polis’s efforts to expand access and protections for abortion. The state saw a significant increase in abortion procedures, including a 500% increase in patients from Texas, following the passage of these bills.

In response to the criticism, Polis’s spokesperson defended his statement, highlighting his commitment to reducing unwanted pregnancies and ensuring access to affordable birth control. The governor recently launched a campaign called “Disagree Better,” aimed at promoting civility in public discourse and political problem-solving. Ironically, his comment about abortion being “bad” was used to illustrate the potential for finding common ground on abortion-related issues.

While Polis’s intention may have been to bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats on abortion, his remarks ignited a debate within his own party and raised questions about the messaging surrounding abortion.