RHEA

8/27/2023 — Marla Fernandez

Greetings, I’m Marla Benavides—both a dedicated home school educator and a seasoned legal assistant with over two decades of experience under my belt. My journey led me to a B.A. in Political Science, an M.S. of Law certificate specializing in Environmental and Natural Resource law from the University of Denver, and a paralegal studies certificate from an ABA-accredited college. My expertise has spanned personal injury law to immigration law, painting a colorful canvas of legal insight.

In the realm of Colorado’s legislative hustle, the Reproductive Equity Health Act (REHA) emerges—an attempt to solidify the principles of Roe v. Wade before its untimely overturning. This June, the Supreme Court flipped the script on Roe v. Wade and Casey in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. Their verdict? Abortion is no longer the star of the constitutional show. It’s time to pass the mic back to the people and their elected representatives.

But hold onto your hats, because the Reproductive Equity Health Act (REHA) isn’t exactly a straight-up encore of Roe v. Wade. Those ever-passionate Democrats sped through REHA like a summer road trip, enshrining abortion rights under state law as a fundamental right.

Seeing my fellow Democrats in my district, awash with division and dismay over this law, I’m here to propose a refreshing course correction. Let’s put the brakes on REHA and steer our discussions with a touch of logical flair. Op-Ed: A Vibrant Perspective on Colorado’s Reproductive Equity Health Act, FIRE MEG and AND HELP ME lead the way to a spirited dialogue that tingles with knowledge.

Now, I’ve been summoned to the stage to present my legal opinion on the constitutional tune that is House Bill 22-1279, aka REHA. My Representative, Meg Froelich, seems to have forgotten her crowd, and her antics have raised eyebrows high enough to hit the ceiling. It’s clear—her legislative rhythm is out of sync.

I’m pulling out the highlight reel from Roe v. Wade, where physicians and providers danced to the tune of medical judgment. They harmonized to make decisions, ensuring that a patient’s pregnancy could take its final bow without meddling from the state. Applause to Roe for spotlighting the viability of the fetus and the state’s vested interest as the baby grows.

And let’s not forget the global choreography—there’s a dance of opinions even on the international stage. The U.N. Human Rights Committee tries to spice up its moves by including support for abortions and, wait for it, assisted suicide. This flashback takes us to times pre-dating the Supreme Court’s duet of overturning Roe and Casey. REHA’s opening act saw over 300 people testifying against it. Clearly, a majority isn’t swaying with the pro-abortion rhythm.

Curiously enough, the Democrats’ moves to bolster abortion rights reveal a dance routine lacking rhythm and reason. The music played, and all Democrats danced in harmony, while the few Republicans swayed the other way. In all honesty, it’s hard to believe that Representative Froelich is giving fetal life or women’s health the spotlight they deserve.

But let’s not box abortion into a corner—it can’t be banned if the state sets the tempo on term limits, and exceptions, barring those moments where mama’s well-being takes center stage. Measured against these standards, the Colorado Abortion Act seems to have forgotten to balance the dance floor.

Therefore, the Fourteenth Amendment isn’t grooving to the tune of abortion rights, making my opponent’s Act a bit off-key. The right to dance with abortion isn’t part of this constitutional playlist.

This whirlwind brings us back to today—where societal winds sway opinions like leaves in the wind. The fact that this debate still grooves is proof that the “right to an abortion” isn’t universally accepted, no matter what the Democrats claim.

So, I lay down my dance card, expressing my heartfelt opinion with flair. Come January, the encore for legislators should involve bidding farewell to RHEA and starting anew. After all, the Fourteenth Amendment’s groove doesn’t encompass abortion, and most Coloradans find their rhythm in the pro-life lane.