Federal Court Protects Catholic Clinic’s Life-Affirming Care for Pregnant Women

Bella Health and Wellness can continue providing abortion pill reversal treatment after judge blocks state ban

Dede Chism and Abby Sinnett, cofounders of Bella Health and Wellness, received permanent protection for their clinic to continue offering abortion pill reversal protocols Friday. (Photo courtesy of Bella Health and Wellness/Becket)

A federal judge permanently blocked a Colorado law that sought to prohibit abortion pill reversal treatment on Friday, marking a major victory for Bella Health and Wellness, a local Catholic healthcare clinic committed to serving women and families in need.

The 2023 state law that classified abortion pill reversal as unprofessional conduct effectively banned doctors and nurses from offering progesterone treatment to women seeking to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill. Bella Health and Wellness petitioned the court to block the law in 2023 in order to continue offering life-saving care.

The court initially granted temporary protection, allowing the clinic to continue caring for women who change their minds after taking the first dose of the abortion pill regimen — which has led to the birth of at least 16 babies since the court case began. Friday’s ruling now secures that protection permanently.

“Colorado tried to deprive pregnant women of the life-affirming care that is best for them and their babies,” said Dede Chism and Abby Sinnett, the clinic’s cofounders, in a statement. “We are overjoyed that the court has recognized our constitutional right to continue offering this support to the many women who come to our clinic seeking help.”

Founded by the mother-daughter team of nurse practitioners, Bella Health and Wellness provides holistic, dignified medical care rooted in Catholic values. The clinic offers a range of services to men, women and children, including treatment with progesterone — a naturally occurring hormone essential to sustaining pregnancy, whether for women at risk of miscarriage or for women seeking help to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill.

Though chemical abortions typically involve a two-pill regimen, some women experience immediate regret after taking the first pill, mifepristone. When administered promptly, progesterone can potentially counteract the effects of mifepristone and support the continuation of the pregnancy.

“Colorado should never have tried to stop Bella from helping pregnant women who want to choose life for their babies,” said Rebekah Ricketts, senior counsel at Becket, the law firm representing Bella. “This ruling ensures that pregnant women in Colorado will not be denied this compassionate care or be forced to have abortions against their will.”

The case has drawn national attention as it touches on fundamental questions of religious freedom, medical ethics and a woman’s right to choose life after beginning the abortion process. In their lawsuit, Bella argued that the law violated their constitutional rights and their Catholic mission to protect and uphold the dignity of every human life.

Colorado has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Bella Health and Wellness remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate, life-affirming care.

“You don’t have to walk this road alone,” the clinic states on its website. “We are here to walk with you, every step of the way.”

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For more information on Bella Health and Wellness and their services, visit bellahealthandwellness.org.