Ensure Community College Students Can Access Medication Abortion Services

We respectfully ask for your signature on AB 2540, which would expand equitable access to medication abortion services at California Community College student health centers. Since January 1, 2023, University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) student health centers have been required to offer medication abortion services under existing law. Yet California’s nearly 2.1 million community college students do not have comparable access through their campus health centers. This disparity is particularly significant because community colleges serve large numbers of low-income, first-generation, and student-parent populations, as well as many students of color and students who face transportation or financial barriers to healthcare. For these students, the gap in services is a serious barrier to healthcare. AB 2540 would address this inequity in a measured, fiscally responsible way. The bill would require CSU and UC campus health centers to promote awareness of their existing medication abortion services and post information on  their websites by January 1, 2028. For community colleges, the bill would direct the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to assess available funding within the College Student Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund and, upon legislative appropriation, extend medication abortion services to community college health centers by the same deadline. A legislative report would be required by January 1, 2029, ensuring accountability and transparency. Medication abortion is safe, effective, and supported by decades of scientific evidence. Ensuring community college students have access to services available to their peers at four-year institutions is a matter of equity and sound public health policy. At a time when reproductive healthcare faces continued federal challenges, California has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to reproductive freedom by ensuring that legal protections translate into meaningful access to care. For these reasons, we respectfully request your signature on AB 2540.