Colorado Democrats give up abortion fight

DENVER - A bill offered by Democrats aimed at guarding against restrictions of abortion was laid over until May 8, effectively killing the bill.

Senate Democrats abandoned their own proposal Wednesday amid fears they wouldn't have the votes to pass the measure, which would have banned any state regulation of reproductive rights.

SB 175 has been the subject of visible demonstrations over the past week, with Catholic bishops leading the opposition.

Democrats hold only a single seat majority in the senate, but one of them told 9NEWS that he was undecided after initially supporting the bill at the committee level.

"I'm not sure if it's the best tool for conveying the message which we wish to convey, which is that as Democrats, as with many people, [think] government should stay out of these things," Sen. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins) said. "I'm also listening to folks that are reaching out to me."

Kefalas has a background lobbying for Catholic Charities, a job that he left amid reported differences on the issue of abortion.

On Wednesday, Kefalas also told 9NEWS he fully supports "a woman's right to make a decision."

Republicans and religious conservatives watching the debate applauded when Democrats abandoned the proposal. Opponents including the Catholic Archbishop of Denver feared the bill could threaten even basic health regulations on reproductive care.