Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 that allowed states to determine under which, if any, circumstances abortion is legal within their jurisdiction, there continue to be challenges navigating the changing legal landscape.
Key action steps for campuses to consider:
- Identify legal counsel for consultation about reproductive health services and counseling.
- Determine what is legal in your jurisdiction (including telehealth laws).
- Educate students on their rights to access confidential and comprehensive reproductive health services and associated insurance coverage as allowed under state law.
- Seek guidance from legal counsel regarding potential implications of regulations set forth as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and access to patient electronic health information, particularly in relation to documentation of visits related to reproductive health care.
- Advocate for policies that support comprehensive reproductive health access at institutional, local, state, and national levels.
- Ensure that reproductive health policies/procedures are created with an equity lens.
- Review all materials and services offered to ensure they are inclusive of students across the gender spectrum.
- Utilize a reproductive justice framework in program implementation and design.
Examples:
National Council of Jewish Women
Resources for legal counsel regarding reproductive health services and counseling
Appendix B: Questions for Legal Counsel | ACHA Guidelines
Providers | Abortion Defense Network
If, When, How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
Abortion Access Legal Defense Fund | National Women’s Law Center
State-by-State Guides to Abortion | U.S. Abortion Laws by State (Abortion Finder)
State legislation tracker | Guttmacher Institute
Interactive Map: U.S. Abortion Policies and Access After Roe | Guttmacher Institute
Advancing Contraceptive Access Toolkit | Power to Decide
Examples of college health websites and additional resources to share with students
Abortion | University of California Davis Student Health and Counseling Services
Sexual Health | University of Maryland Health Center
Need an Abortion? | National Network of Abortion Funds
Advocacy resources
Reproductive Rights Guide General Talking Points Recommendations
Advocacy | American Association of Family Physicians
Advocacy Resources | American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Policy Priorities | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College Personnel Association
Physician Advocacy in Medicine | American Medical Association
American Psychological Association
American Public Health Association
Advocate | Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
NASPA: Student Affairs in Higher Education
National Association of Social Workers
NIRSA: Leaders in College Recreation
Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health
Resources for equity and inclusion
Reproductive Justice | Sister Song
Reproductive Justice Clinic | University of California, Irvine School of Law
Structures & Self: Advancing Equity and Justice in SRH | Innovating Education in Reproductive Health
