Study: Texas abortion ban created ripple effects limiting Coloradans' care
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Texas' abortion ban didn't just affect Texans — it squeezed Coloradans' access to care, delaying procedures and spiking second-trimester abortions, a new JAMA Network Open study suggests.
Why it matters: While much of the focus has been on Texans flooding Colorado clinics, these findings reveal broader ripples that impacted residents of a state where abortion remains legal.
The big picture: The study, led by Colorado State University researchers, underscores how interconnected our health care system is beyond state borders.
By the numbers: The percentage of abortions in Colorado provided to out-of-staters jumped from 13% in 2020 to 30% by 2023, the study found.
- Amid the surge in demand, Colorado residents were 83% more likely to undergo second-trimester abortions after Texas' ban took effect in September 2021.
- Peak strain on Colorado's health care system hit about six months after Texas' ban kicked in.
What they're saying: Colorado clinicians say the dramatic increase in patients from Texas created scheduling bottlenecks that delayed care for both out-of-state and local patients.
- The initial spike has leveled off, but demand for out-of-state abortion care remains above pre-ban levels.
What they did: CSU researchers analyzed Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment monthly abortion data from January 2018 to June 2024, including information on residency and gestational age.
Yes, but: The study noted limitations. It didn't account for individuals who couldn't afford to travel, meaning the true impact of Texas' ban may be even more severe.
What's next: Researchers suggest that expanded telehealth and self-managed abortion options may be starting to ease some strain on the system.
- But with abortion restrictions stacking up in multiple states, the long-term impact on access — even in protective states like Colorado — remains uncertain.