Cohen v. Polis (Colorado)

Filed on behalf of Colorado physician Dr. Rebecca Cohen, this lawsuit challenges the state’s Parental Notice Requirement, a law that forces young people to notify a parent before they can access abortion care regardless of their circumstances. In most cases, the law delays care by at least 48 hours after notification and compromises young people’s safety, health, and dignity.

Dr. Cohen’s suit argues that the Parental Notice Requirement violates young people’s fundamental rights under the Colorado Constitution to access timely and confidential abortion care. The Requirement forces young people who cannot safely involve a parent—such as those facing abuse, coercion, or housing insecurity—to navigate a punitive judicial bypass process to access constitutionally protected health .

The Parental Notice Requirement also discriminates based on gender by reinforcing the stereotype that the proper and central role of women is to bear and raise children irrespective of their individual circumstances, needs, talents, and aspirations.  Young women in Colorado who choose to continue a pregnancy are not forced to involve a parent in their decision.

This case seeks to ensure that Colorado’s robust reproductive health protections extend to everyone, including vulnerable young people.

Dr. Rebecca Cohen

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Medical Board, and State of Colorado

Morrison Foerster

Plaintiff Files Complaint

Colorado Physician Challenges Forced Parental Involvement for Young People Seeking an Abortion