AE9122B6491B11F5872586BF006EC58F Hearing Summary

Senator Buckner, bill sponsor, explained SB21-193, concerning protections for pregnant people during the perinatal period.  She discussed the bill's origin, perinatal care for people of color, income inequality, and incarcerated pregnant women. 

She distributed the following handouts: 

• Understanding Maternal Deaths in Colorado:  An Analysis of Mortality from 2008- 2013 (Attachment B);
• Maternal Mortality in Colorado, 2014-2016 (Attachment C);
• Impact of Place of Birth on Mistreatment (Attachment D); and,
• Diverse Colorado Voices, Community-Based Solutions for the Perinatal Period (Attachment E)

Committee members asked questions about the bill as it relates to health facilities. 

Committee discussion followed about changes the bill makes to advanced directives, and its application to correctional facilities and jails. 

The Chair acknowledged submitted written testimony (Attachment F).  

Mx. Indra Lusero, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill. They discussed health care cost disparities, standards for pregnant people being held in facilities, birthing rights, malpractice, advanced directives, and the Colorado Criminal Rights Division. 

Further discussion ensued about advanced directives, as outlined in the bill. 

Elisabeth Epps, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill. She discussed incarcerated pregnant women, creating a standard of care, and child and mother bonding opportunities. 

Katherine Riley, representing Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), testified in support of the bill. She discussed informed consent. 

Lizzy Hinkley, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed advanced directives.

Vita Malama, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill. She discussed human rights and giving birth with dignity.

Ms Nelia Borden, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She relayed a personal child birth experience.

Kayla Frawley, representing Clayton Early Learning and Raise Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed systemic racism, post-partum support, and a human rights framework to maternity care. 

Ms. Amber Minogue, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill.

Chantal Rukundo-Karaara, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed inequities in perinatal care.

Christina Yebuah, representing Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Andrea Stojsavljevic, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed standards of care while incarcerated.

Ms. Jen Anderson-Tarver, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed hospital transfer patients and fair and equitable health care treatment.

Committee members asked questions about establishing relationships with hospitals. 

Mrs Holly Cheng, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Matthew La Crue, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified to amend the bill. He discussed the incarceration component of the bill and answered questions from the committee.

Lisa Ward, representing Denver Health, answered questions about jail staffing.  She discussed the secure unit and correctional care wing at Denver Health. 

Dr. Thomas Perille, representing Democrats for Life, testified to amend the bill. He distributed a copy of his testimony (Attachment G) and expressed concerns about the advanced directive provisions in the bill. 

Committee members asked questions about advanced directives and its application to pregnant women, as outlined in the bill. 

Mx. Lucero rejoined the conversation about advanced directives. 

Committee discussion ensued about advanced directives for pregnant women. 

The discussion about advanced directives in the bill continued. 

The committee took a brief recess.

Buckner distributed and explained explained Amendment L. 001 (Attachment H) regarding the bill's title.

Senator Buckner explained and distributed Amendment L. 002 (Attachment I) regarding sheriff responsibility. 

Senator Buckner explained and distributed Amendment L. 004 (Attachment J) regarding statute of limitations. 

Senator Buckner explained and distributed Amendment L. 007 (Attachment K) that addresses concerns raised by county sheriffs. 

Senator Buckner explained and distributed Amendment L. 008 (Attachment L) regarding incarcerated patients at Denver Health.

Committee members raised concerns that the advanced directive provisions in the bill may not have the intended outcome. 

Senator Buckner made closing remarks and expressed her willingness to keep working on the bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.