Washington legislation would require public universities to provide chemical abortions

Washington state lawmakers are considering legislation that would require public colleges and universities to provide access to chemical abortion drugs on campus beginning later this decade.

Washington House lawmakers held a public hearing last week on Senate Bill 5826, a proposal requiring public higher education institutions with student health centers to dispense abortion pills directly to students. Schools without health centers would have to provide referrals to off-campus abortion providers, the College Fix reports.

State Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest, sponsored the measure. If approved, it would take effect during the 2027-2028 academic year.

The proposal would also require all public colleges and universities to maintain a webpage outlining abortion access, prenatal care options and other services described as “reproductive health.”

During the hearing, Jean Hill of the Washington State Catholic Conference testified in opposition. She urged lawmakers to consider the policy’s moral and practical consequences. 

“Rather than promote a right to take life, we would encourage you to ensure pregnant individuals have the same rights to work, attend school and meet their basic needs and succeed as their non-pregnant peers,” Hill said. 

Supporters of the bill framed abortion access as necessary to student success. Nobles told the committee the state should treat abortion access as a fundamental entitlement for college students. 

“Students should not have to choose between their health and their education,” Nobles said. “Students should be able to go to their campus and thrive.” 

A legislative fiscal note attached to the bill claims the mandate would impose minimal costs on public universities. 

Chemical abortions are typically prescribed through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The process involves taking one drug that blocks progesterone, followed by another drug that induces uterine contractions. Women often experience heavy bleeding, nausea and intense abdominal pain that can last several days. 

Five other states have enacted similar laws requiring public universities to offer abortion pills on campus: California, New York, Massachusetts, Delaware and Illinois. 

The Washington proposal lacks conscience protections for health care workers or institutions with moral objections to abortion, raising concerns among religious advocates. 

The measure has not yet come up for a vote.