CA Lawmakers Consider Offering Abortion Pills On Campuses

CALIFORNIA -- The state Senate will soon consider a bill that would allow public universities to offer students abortion pills. The bill, proposed by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino), was approved by the Education Committee earlier this month.

Senate Bill 320 will ensure access to medication abortion services on California public university campuses for students who may become pregnant and seek to terminate their pregnancy during the first ten weeks. This bill only applies to public universities with on-campus student health centers.

Leyva's office said the abortion pills would be in addition to services such as contraception and pregnancy options counseling, already offered on campuses.

“Every woman in California, including students at public universities, has the constitutional right to access safe and timely early pregnancy termination," Leyva said in a press release. "SB 320 ensures that university students are able to receive comprehensive health care services on campus—which includes receiving safe medication abortion services without needless delays or obstacles.

"Students should not have to travel long distances, pay out of pocket or even miss class or work responsibilities in order to receive health care that can be provided at an on-campus facility that is specifically designed for student health care. If a student makes that decision, the safest time to end her pregnancy is within the first ten weeks so it is essential to minimize unnecessary delays in accessing that care.”

According to Leyva's office, medication for early pregnancy termination is safe and effective. Medication is given in two doses. The first dose is taken in the company of the medical provider and the second dose is sent home with the patient to take 24 hours later.

The bill received report by the Women’s Policy Institute and ACCESS Women’s Health Justice, among other groups.

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