Colorado Bill Aims to Repeal Forced Sterilization Law

Proposed legislation would address reproductive rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A proposed bill in the Colorado legislature would repeal parts of the state's current forced sterilization law, which is rooted in the 'Eugenics-era' policies of the past century. The bill would require counseling and consent for sterilization procedures and prohibit the practice against a person's will, unless necessary to preserve their life or health.

Why it matters

The current law in Colorado allows a person's legal guardian or parents to petition the court to order the sterilization of an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability, even over the person's objections. This bill aims to address these outdated and discriminatory policies that infringe on the reproductive rights of people with disabilities.

The details

House Bill 1040 passed the Colorado House unanimously and is now headed to the State Senate. The bill would require that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive counseling explaining the long-term effects of sterilization and alternative options before agreeing to the procedure, whether or not they are deemed competent to give consent. It also prohibits sterilization against the person's will, unless it is necessary to preserve their life or health.

  • The bill was proposed in the Colorado legislature in 2026.
  • The House passed the bill unanimously on February 15, 2026.
  • The bill is now headed to the State Senate.

The players

House Bill 1040

A proposed bill in the Colorado legislature that would repeal parts of the state's current forced sterilization law.

Jack Johnson

An attorney and public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado, who says the current law is rooted in outdated 'Eugenics-era' policies.

Nikki Bishop

A parent, licensed clinical social worker, and person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, who appreciates the inclusion of counseling and consent in the proposed bill.

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What they’re saying

“The way the current law exists, a person who has a disability, if they object to sterilization, can still be sterilized over their objection.”

— Jack Johnson, Attorney and public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado (KOAA)

“There is a power differential here. We want to make sure that that piece is being removed and that they're aware that they can access other services.”

— Nikki Bishop, Parent, licensed clinical social worker, and person with a disability (KOAA)

“It moves Colorado into the 21st century of civil rights related to people's decisions over their own bodies. We can leave some of these old Eugenics-era policies in the past.”

— Jack Johnson, Attorney and public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado (KOAA)

What’s next

The proposed bill is now headed to the Colorado State Senate, where advocates hope to get it on the governor's desk by next month.

The takeaway

This bill represents an important step in addressing outdated and discriminatory policies that have long infringed on the reproductive rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Colorado. By requiring counseling, consent, and prohibiting forced sterilization, the state can move forward in protecting the civil rights of this vulnerable population.