Both Barnard and Columbia currently refer out to off-campus clinics for medication abortion, despite having the ability to provide the pill in the campus clinics.

Further, BC/CU's student health insurance already completely covers medication abortion. Therefore, having on-campus access to abortion makes the costs more transparent, insurance coverage easier, and reduces the barrier to accessing reproductive healthcare.

This is not a fringe idea. California requires public universities to provide medication abortion. Massachusetts recently introduced a bill mandating the same for its universities.

Medication abortion is common, extremely safe, and completely in line with the other services offered in University Primary Care settings. In NY state, Nurse-Practitioners, Physician-Assistants, and Nurse-Midwives can provide medication abortion in-clinic, meaning that all primary care medical professionals would be able to provide medication abortion in a clinical setting.

RJC has been campaigning for medication abortion at Barnard specifically for the past two years and is starting conversations for the same at Columbia. Public support and pressure would help immensely for both campaigns. 

RJC is helping build a coalition of student organizers, youth advocates, and campus organizations to advocate for medication abortion on campus across New York. Join us at bit.ly/rjcny or the button above.

Bill A3322 in the NYS legislature requires public universities to provide medication abortion in their campus clinics.

We are also working to create and pass a similar bill in the NY City Council.

Having on-campus access to abortion makes the costs more transparent, insurance coverage easier, and reduces the informational and geographic barriers to healthcare.

Medication abortion is considered medically safer than Tylenol and clinics just need to fill out an order form. No specialized equipment or doctors are needed.

This is not a fringe idea. In 2019, California requires public universities to provide medication abortion. Massachusetts also recently passed a bill mandating the same for its universities.

We must demand reproductive access in all our spaces.

What is the abortion pill?

Patients take two pills, mifepristone and, 24-48 hours later, misoprostol, to end their pregnancy up until 12 weeks. This is the most effective method of abortion with pills (95-98% of abortions are successful). It has the fewest side effects. More than 54% of abortions in the United States are done with abortion pills. Medication abortion is completely in line with the other services offered in campus primary care settings.

What do campus clinics need to do to provide the abortion pill?

As medication abortion is considered medically safer than most services currently provided by campus clinics, there are no extra liabilities for universities. Further, in NY, no specialized equipment (e.g. ultrasound machines, etc) is required prior to accessing an abortion. The provider must be able to assess pregnancy duration, diagnose ectopic pregnancy, and refer for surgical intervention if needed. Facility requirements include a private exam room, speculum, and adequate lighting, and access to a laboratory for testing (or referral). The vast majority of campus clinics already have exam rooms, lab access, surgical referrals, and practitioners able to perform medication abortions.

In most cases, campus clinics would just have to fill out an order form (GenBioPro or Danco) to get mifepristone, one of the medication abortion pills, on campus. The order form is basic and straightforward.

In NY state, Nurse-Practitioners, Physician-Assistants, and Nurse-Midwives can provide medication abortion in-clinic, meaning that all primary care medical professionals would be able to provide medication abortion in a clinical setting.

Why is this important?

As we enter the post-Roe era of unrestrained attacks on abortion rights, we must solidify and fully exercise our reproductive autonomy. Now is the moment we start demanding more and pushing back against the politicization of basic healthcare in all our spaces.

Why don’t you want campus clinics to provide birthing/pregnancy services?

Ideally, they totally would! We’d also include daycare! Your reproductive choices should not be a burden or barrier to your education! The problem is that abortion clinics are the ones currently experiencing demand from out-of-state patients, so we’re focusing on the most pressing problem.

Why colleges? How does this improve the student experience?

• Fear of unwanted pregnancy and challenges in accessing proper care will influence the students’ mental health. This influences their productivity in school.

• Ease of access - including not needing to go elsewhere for care

• Going to Planned Parenthood or other clinics risks exposure to harassment from anti-choice protestors. Having these healthcare options available in university clinics adds a layer of safety.