Bill does not permit abortion pills on community colleges
California Senate Bill 24, which would allow University of California and California State University students access to medical abortion pills, was passed on April 8.
The bill, which was introduced by Senator Connie Leyva on December 3, would require each student health care service clinics on a CSU or UC campus to offer abortion by medication services starting on Jan. 1, 2023, according to the California Legislative Information website.
The bill would also require the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to follow the College Student Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund. With the medical abortion services being provided on public college campuses, faculty and students have their own take on the situation.
College Nurse Michelle Barkley said that Cosumnes River College and other community colleges will not be providing the abortion pills on campus. As of right now, the abortion pills will only be offered at UC and CSU campus and not junior colleges.
“We offer options like prevention, but we will not provide that type of medication,” said Barkley.
Sacramento County Health Education Assistant Jennifer Blair said she likes the access and options SB 24 has to offer.
“I think that the access and option is great,” said Bliar. “Prevention is key. When someone is pregnant they have options and I’m all for options and like the access.”
Rashada Hameed, a 20-year-old sociology major, said she thinks the pills are a good idea.
“I think this is a great idea because some women don’t have access to abortion pills,” said Hameed. “Also, this gives female students a safer and easier way to possibly ending a pregnancy.”
Rashad Howard, a 40-year-old psychology and business management major, said he believes in women making a decision about their pregnancies for themselves.
“I feel like people have the right make their own decision and do as they please with their body,” says Howard. “I’m kind of like in the middle. I think abortions are wrong, so the pill is wrong, but it is your body, treat as you want to.”
Barkley and Blair said pregnancy is common, but the clinic really focuses and wants to educate students on the prevention of pregnancies as much as possible.
“We are here to support and educate all of our students,” said Barkey. “We want students to come get tested if they are sexually active or if they are pregnant to discuss all possible options.”