This week, a cutting-edge piece of legislation headed to California Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for his signature. SB320 would require California State University and University of California campuses to offer medication abortion services in their student health centers.
In response, Physicians for Reproductive Health Fellow and Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare Medical Director Dr. Sarah McNeil issued the following statement:
“I applaud the California Legislature for passing this groundbreaking piece of legislation, which will ensure that California students can access medication abortion in their own communities. California has long been a national leader in promoting reproductive health access, including access to abortion, and this landmark legislation will ensure that we continue to lead the way, regardless of what happens at the federal level. With this bill, Governor Brown can take an important step toward ensuring access to these essential health services for Californians, and lead the nation in protecting the academic success of students.
“When university students have to go off-campus for care, it can cause significant barriers and ultimately a delay in obtaining the abortion they need.”
“Abortion is an essential, safe and routine part of reproductive health care. Since medication abortion is only effective in early pregnancy, timely access is critical. When university students have to go off-campus for care, it can cause significant barriers and ultimately a delay in obtaining the abortion they need. School-based health centers can easily offer this service, and this bill includes private funding and technical assistance support so that health centers have all the resources they need to integrate this service.
“With Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination looming, this is a perilous time for abortion access. The Trump administration is determined to turn back the clock on reproductive rights. I urge Governor Brown to sign this bill into law and continue to forge the path forward. Action is more critical now than ever before.”