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.