Bill > SB5321

This bill aims to improve access to medication abortion for students at public postsecondary educational institutions in Washington state by mandating several key provisions. By the start of the 2026-27 academic year, student health centers must offer medication abortion services through on-site providers, telehealth, or public reproductive health service programs. For institutions without student health centers, they must provide comprehensive referral services, including contact information for at least two qualified healthcare providers and one telehealth organization, and must offer private campus spaces and technical support for telehealth appointments. All public higher education institutions are required to maintain a comprehensive health services website with detailed information about reproductive health services, including instructions for scheduling appointments, links to academic accommodation resources, and a direct link to the state Department of Health's abortion information page. The bill's legislative findings emphasize that abortion access is a human right and that many of the state's approximately 196,000 pregnancy-capable students face significant barriers to obtaining abortion services, including long travel distances, financial constraints, and increased wait times due to recent legal changes. The ultimate intent is to make medication abortion as accessible and cost-effective as possible for students while supporting their academic success and overall health.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5321&Year=2025&Initiative=false