Abortion Pill Access on College Campuses

Published on March 22nd, 2023

Memorandum of Opposition

Re: A1395-B Epstein / S1213-B Cleare
Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals

The above referenced legislation would provide access to the abortion pill on SUNY and CUNY campuses. The New York State Catholic Conference strongly opposes this dangerous and misguided bill.

Young women attending college are often experiencing true independence for the first time. They are away from family and support systems. The social pressures and availability of harmful substances combine to make campus a wholly inappropriate place to offer dangerous medication to young women, some as young as 17.

Despite claims to the contrary, the abortion pill is not “one of the safest and most effective medications.” The bill’s cavalier approach in providing the pill to college students does nothing to address many potential problems: What about girls who go on to have severe complications alone in their dorm room? What about girls who are on their own for the first time, and pressured by an abusive partner? What about girls who are misdiagnosed or unsure about the timing of their pregnancy? What about girls with ectopic pregnancies, for which the pill could prove fatal?

As with so many bills that expand abortion, the sponsors claim to support women. The lack of safeguards or true consideration for women’s health within this provision would do the opposite. The potential for harm to young women if this bill were to pass is unconscionable. We strongly urge you to reject this legislation.