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HB24-1456 works in tandem with the statewide public health order to combat congenital syphilis and SB24-042 creates more resources for those living sickle cell disease
DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two pieces of legislation to improve health outcomes for pregnant people, infants and those living with sickle cell disease.
HB24-1456, sponsored by Representative Julia Marvin and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, would direct the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis to keep pregnant people and infants safe. SB24-042, sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease.
“The increase of congenital syphilis in Colorado is alarming, and we’re working together as a state to tackle this public health crisis that’s affecting our communities, especially our infants,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works with the state to improve syphilis testing during pregnancy, so health care providers can catch infections early and administer simple, effective treatment. Additionally, this bill would offer flexibility to the State Board of Health to monitor and adjust congenital syphilis protocols to ensure our pregnant people are receiving the care and treatment they need. If left untreated, congenital syphilis can cause birth defects or even infant death – this bill expands screenings and bolsters public health measures to ensure every child has a healthy start in life.”
“Congenital syphilis can cause birth defects and unfortunately, even death. As a state, we’re stepping up to address this public health crisis,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works in tandem with Colorado’s public health order to ramp up syphilis screening for pregnant people throughout their pregnancy. Congenital syphilis can be treated simply, and encouraging screening is an important step forward in combating this public health crisis that’s affecting many of our communities. Our goal is to stop the rise in congenital syphilis and create a safer, healthier Colorado for all.”
HB24-1456, passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill aims to detect and combat congenital syphilis, or syphilis transmitted from the pregnant person to the fetus during pregnancy by directing the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis.. On April 19, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Governor Polis, declared a statewide public health order to address the congenital syphilis epidemic. If passed, this bill would ensure pregnant people receive frequent prenatal testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, based on public health standards.
Congenital syphilis is easily treatable, but if left unchecked can cause severe fetus infections of the brain, eyes, and other body organs. It can also cause miscarriages, stillbirths and other birth defects. CDC data reveals that congenital syphilis has more than tripled in recent years and is the highest it's been nationwide since 1992. In Colorado, cases are also rising at a drastic rate with a 900 percent case increase since 2017 (5 cases in 2017 and 50 cases in 2023).
“Sickle cell disease can cause blockages in a person’s small blood vessels and be incredibly painful if left untreated,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill would establish the new, Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and this new outreach program will help bridge the gap between health care and access experienced by marginalized communities. I am proud to carry this legislation forward because it will improve health outcomes for so many in our state.”
“Long-standing inequities in our health care system have left many Black Coloradans without access to the care they need, let alone specialized care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect people living with sickle cell disease with resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, and unfortunately, the rates have been much higher among Black communities. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the gap in health care access. By prioritizing the health care of all Coloradans – especially those who have been marginalized and underserved for too long – we can create a healthier state for us all.”
SB24-042, passed committee by a vote of 13-0 and would work to improve health outcomes for Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. This bill would create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services would be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sickle cell disease occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births and occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births.