Evaluating the capacity of California's publicly funded universities to provide medication abortion

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore capacity of University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) student health centers (SHCs) to provide medication abortion (MA) and SHC staff perspectives on providing MA. Study designSHC staff completed an online survey; we conducted site visits and conference calls with a subset of SHCs. The survey focused on barriers to abortion, resources needed for MA, and potential benefits and challenges. Results11 UCs (100%) and 20 CSUs (87%) completed surveys. All facilities provided basic primary care, including sexual and reproductive health services and some contraceptive services, but not abortion. All sites had adequate staffing and physical plant, but most would require training, access to ultrasound when needed, 24-hour hotlines (CSUs), and back-up care to provide MA. ConclusionIt would be feasible to provide MA at SHCs, but investment is needed to support staff training, equipment, 24-hour hotlines, back-up care, and minimal security upgrades, in order to implement MA services. ImplicationsIf SB320 is passed, provision of MA services at student health centers could improve access to early abortion for students in California. This model may be scaled up at other universities around the country.