Students rallied on Tuesday in Sacramento to support the passage of SB 24, or the College Student Right to Access Act, a bill that would require public universities to offer nonsurgical abortions at all student health centers.
Last Friday the state Assembly Appropriations Committee voted for the bill, with 13 legislators in favor of the bill and five opposed. “SB 24 reaffirms the constitutional right of every college student to access abortion care. College students that wish to end their pregnancy should have the right to access that service on campus without delay,” said California State Senator Connie Leyva in a statement that was released.
Feminist Majority Foundation affiliated student groups at Cal State Northridge, Cal State San Marcos, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Riverside, and UC Davis traveled to Sacramento to attend the rally. This summer, Feminist Majority Foundation organized student visits to key California legislator’s offices to discuss the importance of passing SB 24.
“It’s inspiring to see so many feminist students fighting for reproductive equity on college campuses. They are demanding their CA legislators support SB 24 and expand access to medication abortion, which will set an important precedent: abortion access for all,” said Emily Escobar, a campus organizer with Feminist Majority Foundation.
Supporters of the bill say that the new rule would allow students easy access to abortion services, as many students do not have cars and must travel some distance to receive care, giving them more time to focus on classes. If passed, the law would go into effect January 1, 2023.
Sources: Daily Californian 4/4/19; Newsweek 9/3/19; Daily Californian 9/4/19
