Abortion Access on Campus: What Students Need to Know

Students often encounter specific difficulties with their healthcare access (including reproductive healthcare). Accessing healthcare can feel complicated due to many barriers such as busy class schedules, lack of transportation options, and fear of loss of confidentiality. Today, many universities and healthcare providers are now providing resources to assist with campus healthcare, making it easier for students to obtain reproductive health care when they need it.

By knowing your rights as a student regarding reproductive health care, learning which facilities offer safe resources for obtaining an abortion, and understanding how the campus system works, you will make more informed choices about your health.

This brochure provides assistance regarding obtaining an abortion while enrolled as a college student, explains how to locate resources to help you obtain an abortion close to your college campus, and provides helpful information that could help you prepare for your visit to get an abortion while attending college.

Where Can Students Get an Abortion Near Campus?

There are two main types of abortions available for students based on their gestational age during pregnancy: medication abortion and in-clinic abortions. Both methods of abortion are safe and widely used as forms of reproductive healthcare. Types of services are typically available on-campus via telehealth/referral, or off-campus via a local clinic.

1. Abortion Access Through Campus Healthcare

Most schools offer their students the option to receive medical services on campus through a Student Health Center. Although the Student Health Center does not typically perform abortions, they can connect you to services in the local community or via telehealth.

Some examples of ways that campus health care providers can help students include:

• Providing pregnancy tests
• Counseling students regarding options available for pregnancy termination
• Referring students to local abortion facilities
• Connecting students with trusted telehealth locations that can conduct consultations for abortion services
• Providing information on financial assistance available for abortion services

Additionally, due to advances in telehealth, some students may be able to access medical abortion via a telehealth abortion care consultation which can be conducted through a licensed health care provider without leaving campus.

Telehealth providers will ship medical abortion supplies to:

• A campus mail facility
• A student’s campus residence hall
• A student’s off-campus residence
• A location where students can pick-up their supplies

By having access to these services, students can access reproductive health care while still keeping their privacy intact.

2. Abortion Care Off Campus

Students who need in-person assistance can find reproductive health clinics within walking distance or by public transportation from their respective campuses.

Some of the services offered at such clinics include:

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Ultrasound services
• Pregnancy counseling
• Follow-up care

Both surgical and medical abortions are safe, effective options performed at clinics by trained medical personnel.

There are numerous online directories with information about abortion services, such as Abortion Finder and I Need an A, which will allow students to find verified providers and abortion resources close to campus.

What Are Abortion Pills?

Medication abortion (the abortion pill) is an effective and common option used to end an early pregnancy. Medication abortion will consist, two medications are included in the process:

• Mifepristone: This will block the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for supporting the development of the pregnancy.
• Misoprostol: This medication will cause the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy tissue.

In general, medication abortion is available through the first 10-11 weeks of pregnancy and will be effective if the proper medical instructions are used in completing the process.

Many college students choose this method due to its potential for privacy with completing it either at home or in their dorm room after consulting with a medical provider, compared to returning to the clinic, and its relatively lower cost compared to other in-clinic procedures.

Understanding Student Reproductive Rights

Adult students have all of the same rights as any other adult regarding reproductive medical decisions and healthcare.

In the majority of states, students have the right to seek reproductive health services, including the right to terminate their pregnancy, without needing parental consent or notifying their parents.

In addition to the right to access reproductive health services, students also have the right to:

• obtain medical care and services without having to share their medical information with parents or guardians
• receive accurate and complete reproductive health information
• seek treatment from healthcare providers who are not affiliated with the school
• make informed decisions about their pregnancy.

As a result, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides privacy protection for all of the patient’s personal medical information and thus prohibits any medical provider from releasing this information to parents or guardians without the patient’s written permission.

If a student is covered by the parent’s health insurance policy, the policyholder (the parent) may receive a report from the insurance company about the services provided to the student. If students are concerned about privacy issues, they may want to consider other payment options or seek financial aid.

How to Prepare for an Abortion While in College

It can be difficult for students to balance academic obligations with receiving healthcare. Having the ability to plan ahead can assist with making this a simpler task.

1. Choose the right time for treatment

Many students are able to schedule their medication abortion based on their academic calendar. Some students choose to start their treatment:

• On the weekend
• During class break
• After finishing all of their assignments

There are typically two steps in the medication process:

The first step is taking mifepristone. This usually provides few immediate symptoms.

The second step is taking misoprostol, which is usually done 24-48 hours after taking mifepristone. This will cause cramping and bleeding for the student undergoing this.

Many students plan to rest during the second step of medication (when symptoms occur most strongly).

2. Create a safety plan

The safety of a medical abortion is high, and taking steps in advance is helpful. Students might:

• Keep the contact information for the closest hospital or urgent care on hand
• Make transportation arrangements for emergencies
• Talk with a trusted friend (or roommate) about their support needs if desired

Having a good plan ahead of time will give students more confidence and a greater sense of readiness.

3. Gather self-care supplies

Having some essential supplies available may help you have a better experience while seeking medical treatment. Healthcare professionals tend to suggest having the following:

• Heavy pads
• Comfortable clothing
• A heating pad for cramps
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Light snacks and water

If you can prepare your supplies in advance, it may help you have a better experience.

4. Find emotional support

Deciding whether to disclose your decision regarding your healthcare is entirely personal. While some students opt for confidentiality surrounding their healthcare-related decisions, others might want support from friends, partners, or family during this time.

Support can come from:

• Trusted friends/roommates
• Partners or family members
• Counseling services via campus healthcare
• Reproductive health organisations

Many telehealth providers offer confidential medical and emotional support during the entire process.

Will Students Miss Class or Exams Because of an Abortion?

Most students do not need to miss very much school. The use of medication abortion allows for greater flexibility compared to in-clinic abortion because it can be scheduled around the student’s schedule.

However, some students may elect to take time from class while taking misoprostol because this step may cause them to have more severe symptoms, such as cramping and tiredness.

Healthcare providers may issue a doctor’s note stating that a student received medical attention for the use of medication abortion, but they will not disclose any other specifics.

In most examples, schools permit students to request short-term academic adjustments due to being treated for a medical issue.

Abortion Resources Available for Students

Many colleges and universities have various resources to help students who want an abortion. Here’s a list of potential resources:

• Campus health centers
• Telehealth reproductive health providers
• Local abortion clinics
• Abortion funds that provide support
• Student support organizations

Many universities that provide access to reproductive health also provide referrals to trusted health providers, offer counseling and education about reproductive health, and ensure confidentiality when providing reproductive health care to students. Students may use these resources to better understand the options they have and to obtain accurate information.

How Serenity Choice Health Supports Students

Reproductive health consultation services are being provided to Illinois, Indiana and New York patients by Serenity Choice Health and other health care providers. These services can be provided via telehealth or by a physician in the office (in-person), depending on the patient’s needs. Once the student discusses his or her options with a physician, he or she will have access to medical care through an appropriate provider based on his or her needs.

For students who are on a college campus or in the surrounding area, telehealth (video or phone calls) can be an excellent way for students to access care as time does not need to be taken away from school while still receiving guidance from a physician.

These resources can also help students with questions regarding abortion resources, assistance with making decisions regarding pregnancy, and reproductive health questions. Students in Illinois and neighboring states can also learn more about how to access abortion care in Illinois when local options are limited.

The Bottom Line

For college students navigating reproductive health care can be hard, but there are numerous resources for abortion care available.

Learning to use the campus health care system, knowing what your student reproductive rights are, and connecting to trusted health care providers are all helpful steps to obtaining the health care you need when you need it.

Whether through telehealth, referrals on campus, or local clinics, students have many options for obtaining safe, confidential reproductive health care. Students needing in-clinic abortion services can find professional, compassionate care at our Matteson, IL location.

If you need assistance or would like to learn more about your options, consulting with qualified health care providers may help you locate the best resource for your needs. To take the next step, schedule an appointment with a licensed provider at Serenity Choice Health today.