Public Institutions of Higher Education. Washington has six public baccalaureate institutions, and 34 community and technical colleges.
Medication Abortion. Medication abortion includes substances used during medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy including, but not limited to, mifepristone.
Access to Medication Abortion. Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, each public institution of higher education with a student health center must offer access to medication abortion through:
Student health centers that do not offer medication abortion services prior enactment of this bill must utilize the most cost-effective option to offer medication abortion services.
By the start of the 2027-28 academic year, each public institution of higher education that does not operate a student health center must provide information and referral services for medication abortion to students seeking such services. The institution must train current student support staff on the availability of certain public resources for student referral.
Webpage on Reproductive Health Services. All public institutions of higher education must maintain a comprehensive health services webpage on an existing website that provides clear, accessible information and resources regarding reproductive health services including, but not limited to, prenatal care and options for pregnancy termination. The webpage must include certain information including: scheduling appointments, certain existing campus resources, and an unbroken link and accurate description that directs students to the abortion page of the sexual and reproductive health section of the Department of Health's website.
PRO: This bill is about meeting students where they are and making sure there are no barriers to attending school. Students should not have to choose between their health and their education.
This bill comes as a response from student advocacy. This bill outlines a clear outline for referral services for students who need care.
As a community college student, I believe having this access is critical to my community. Many of my classmates rely on the bus for transportation. This bill provides access and accommodation that is needed and will support students. Navigating off campus services as a student can be confusing and dangerous. On-campus support is critical and helps students get the care they need. More than half of the people who access medication abortion are in their 20s. Having abortion services on campus ensures safe access .
Having access will allow students to ask questions, get medically correct answers, and get basic healthcare.
The students know their campus, know its structures, and that will make a tangible difference in the lives of students.
CON: This bill is built on false premise. There are no barriers to access to abortion clinics in the state. Institutions of higher learning should not be forced to supply abortion related drugs. Postsecondary education is already far too expensive. The costs of this should not be borne on the institutions. The state should support responsible behavior, and this bill is unnecessary.
Abortion is not a part of essential healthcare. Pregnancy is not a disease or a burden. There is no personal accountability or recognition of personal choices in this bill. By granting a right to abort life, the rights of the developing person is not considered. Pregnancy is not shameful. Pregnant women should get the support needed to get through school while pregnant.
Shortly after graduating Western Washington University, I used abortion medication after a miscarriage. I bled a lot and needed medical care afterwards.
The language of this bill is misleading. Women have died using these drugs. Lack of support for pregnant women is needed. Many of the women who use this as an option hides the possible situation they may be in, such as domestic violence.