Federal Judge Upholds Abortion Pill Reversal Care in Colorado

On August 1, 2025, a significant legal decision emerged from Colorado when Federal Judge Domenico issued a permanent injunction against the state’s bill SB23-190. This ruling allows pro-life Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) to continue providing Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) care, a treatment that has reportedly saved over 7,000 lives since its inception. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights, emphasizing that the right to choose includes the option to change one’s mind.

Judge Domenico’s ruling highlights a crucial aspect of reproductive health: the necessity for women to have access to all relevant medical information. The judge noted that many women who seek APR do so out of immediate regret or external pressures to terminate their pregnancies. He stated that Colorado’s law infringed upon women’s constitutional rights by limiting their access to potentially life-saving options.

The controversial SB23-190, enacted in 2023, restricted health providers in Colorado from prescribing progesterone for APR, categorizing such actions as “unprofessional conduct.” In contrast, the law permitted progesterone for other medical uses, including gender-affirming care. Judge Domenico found this discrepancy in treatment to be discriminatory and a violation of the First Amendment, asserting that the state cannot selectively outlaw lawful medical treatments based on ideological beliefs.

In his ruling, Judge Domenico emphasized that the government’s disapproval of a medical treatment’s purpose does not provide a valid basis for its prohibition. He articulated that the law not only denied equal protection to those seeking APR but also restricted access to lawful medical care. This decision could potentially set a precedent for challenges against similar state laws targeting pro-life medical practices across the United States.

The safety of abortion pills was a focal point during the litigation. Chemical abortions typically involve two medications: mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, and misoprostol, which induces contractions. APR involves administering progesterone after the first pill in an attempt to reverse the abortion process, with a success rate of approximately two-thirds. Concerns over safety were raised, as a study involving over 865,000 mifepristone abortions indicated that one in nine women experienced serious complications requiring emergency care within 45 days of taking the drug.

Despite the potential risks associated with chemical abortions, Judge Domenico concluded that Colorado’s restrictions on APR were politically motivated rather than based on proven medical dangers. The ruling directly impacts two PRCs, Bella Health and Chelsea Mynyk, but experts predict that other providers may seek similar exemptions in light of this decision.

The passage of SB23-190 originally stemmed from a disproportionate political landscape in Colorado. Although only 25% of the state’s voters identify as Democrats, they maintain control over two-thirds of the legislative seats. This political dynamic has facilitated the enactment of laws perceived as extreme by many, including SB23-190, which specifically targets APR and pro-life pregnancy centers.

In addition to SB23-190, other recent legislative actions in Colorado have raised eyebrows. For instance, only Democrats supported SB25-183, a bill that allocates tax funds for abortions, while voting against measures that would enhance parental rights and safety regulations for abortion clinics. This pattern of legislative behavior has prompted calls for voters to reconsider their support for Democratic candidates in upcoming elections, particularly regarding reproductive health policies.

The implications of Judge Domenico’s ruling extend beyond Colorado, highlighting a growing conflict between reproductive rights and state regulations. As the legal landscape evolves, the ruling underscores the importance of ensuring comprehensive access to medical choices for women, reinforcing the notion that true choice encompasses the ability to reconsider decisions. For further insights on this topic, individuals can reach out to Lloyd Benes at [email protected].