Abortion pills are available at the health center for students on campus, but many students are unaware of this.
“I didn’t know that there was an abortion pill on campus that’s free,” Vanessa Rosa Rivera, a TVFM major said. “I think that it’s amazing. It’s interesting that I didn’t hear about it.”
Cal State LA began offering medicated abortion services at the health center at the beginning of 2023. “We offer family planning counseling and complimentary safe sex supplies to all enrolled students,” said Student Health Center Director Paul Kim. “In the event that you require emergency contraceptives or medication abortion services, prioritize seeking care promptly.”
The pill brands available are “Genbiopro’s mifepristone” and “Greenstone’s misoprostol.” Some students think that there isn’t enough information available for students to be aware of the services on campus.
“I definitely think that they can promote it more so that it can reach students who may need this resource,” Andrea Acuna, a TVFM major, said.
The health center also offers complimentary external and internal condoms for students to practice safe sex. You can also find free condoms at the Cross-Cultural Center in the student union. There are two brands of emergency contraceptives the health care center offers, Encontra and Ella – both being sold for $30.
“Unwanted pregnancy is a significant public health problem worldwide. In higher education, students are exposed to the risk of unintended pregnancy, abortion, and its related negative consequences,” said in an article by the National Library of Medicine.
For those who may not know the difference between emergency contraceptives and the abortion pill, the abortion pill terminates a pregnancy, and Plan B prevents it.
Kim had advice for students regarding safe sexual activity.
“If you are sexually active, take preventive measures to avoid unintended pregnancies,” Kim said. “Various forms of contraception are accessible, including abstinence, external/internal condoms, hormonal, and non-hormonal methods.”
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, California Lawmakers have strived to make California an “abortion sanctuary.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package bill protecting women from being criminalized, as well as making contraceptives more affordable and reproductive care more accessible.
“An alarming number of states continue to outlaw abortion and criminalize women, and it’s more important than ever to fight like hell for those who need these essential services,” Newsom said according to the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom webpage.
As of Sept. 1, 2023, there have been total abortion bans in Indiana and North Dakota. There is a six-week ban in South Carolina and 12-week bans in North Carolina and Nebraska. The number of states aiming to ban abortion will and has affected millions of individuals’ rights to bodily anatomy. Information is according to the Guttmacher Institute, which provides an updated map of abortion policies and access posts in the U.S.
It is noted in a press release from the office of Gov. Newsom that public officials “…will not accept the status quo of rendering women powerless to determine their own destiny. In California, we trust women, we believe in women, and we see their value beyond their reproductive capabilities,” said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner of Gov. Newsom.
