‘A birth is more expensive than an abortion’: CO Dems argue fiscal virtues of liberal health care bill

The recent committee hearing on a new “pregnancy-related services” bill in Colorado sparked a heated debate on the potential cost savings for the state and its Medicaid program. Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, argued that “averted births” could lead to significant savings for the state.

During the Health and Human Services Committee hearing in Denver, McCluskie emphasized that the bill would decrease costs for the state’s health care policy and financing department, as well as Medicaid expenditures. She pointed out that the savings from averted births would outweigh the cost of covering reproductive health care for all Coloradans. McCluskie also mentioned that the bill would require abortions to be state-funded to avoid potential interference from federal regulations.

The bill was presented as a response to a 2024 ballot referendum in which voters repealed a state constitutional amendment banning public funds for abortion procedures and instead recognized the operation as a right. However, Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Lone Tree, questioned McCluskie’s cost argument from a pro-life perspective. Bradley expressed concerns about Colorado allowing abortion up until the day of delivery and highlighted the high cost of third-trimester abortions, which she estimated to be as much as $25,000.

McCluskie defended her position by explaining that the savings she referenced came from averted births that would not occur because abortions took place instead. She emphasized that the cost of a birth is higher than that of an abortion, leading to savings in Medicaid expenditures. However, Bradley raised concerns about the mental health and substance abuse complications that some women may experience after undergoing abortions.

The debate continued with Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Westminster, dismissing Bradley’s concerns as misinformation and instead claiming that women denied abortions are at risk of suffering longer-term mental health complications. Rep. Scott Bottoms, R-Cimarron Hills, rejected Garcia’s claims and cited statistics from the CDC and NIH showing an increase in suicide rates, especially in the second and third trimesters following abortions.

A pro-life obstetrician later expressed disbelief at the notion that more babies dying through abortion would be cheaper for the state. The committee was divided on the issue, with different perspectives on the potential cost savings and the impact of abortions on women’s mental health.

The full audio recording of the hearing was posted in a legislative hearing depository for further review. Fox News Digital reached out to key stakeholders for comments on the issue. Charles Creitz, a reporter for Fox News Digital, covered the story and provided detailed insights into the debate surrounding the “pregnancy-related services” bill in Colorado.