SB 5826 — Concerning access at public postsecondary educational institutions to medication abortion
Overview
- Purpose: Establish a framework for publicly funded higher education institutions in Washington to provide, or ensure access to, medication abortion for students. The bill emphasizes accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and integration with existing public health resources.
- Status: Prefiled for introduction for the 2026 Regular Session. Introduced December 3, 2025. Not yet enacted.
- Legal vehicle: Adds a new chapter to Title 28B RCW (higher education).
Why this bill is proposed
- It recognizes access to abortion as a health right and a public health goal, noting that thousands of pregnancy-capable students attend public higher education institutions in Washington.
- It highlights barriers students face to obtaining medication abortion (travel distance, cost, wait times) and aims to reduce these barriers through on-campus access mechanisms and referrals.
- It asserts that medication abortion is safe, effective, and appropriate to offer through student health services or formal partnerships.
Key Provisions (Sec. 1–4)
Sec. 1 — Legislative findings
- Declares abortion access as a human right and essential health care.
- Notes large student populations at public institutions and travel/time/cost barriers to care.
- Cites burdens amplified by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision and increases in cross-border utilization.
- States intent to make medication abortion accessible and cost-effective at public colleges and universities.
Sec. 2 — Definitions (Chapter-wide applicability)
- Council: Washington Student Achievement Council (RCW 28B.77.010).
- Medication abortion: As defined in RCW 69.41.050.
- Public institution of higher education: As defined in RCW 28B.10.016.
- Safety net abortion provider: An abortion provider contracted with the Department of Health’s sexual and reproductive health program.
- Student health center: A clinic or health center providing medical services to students at public higher education institutions.
Sec. 3 — Implementation obligations
- (1) By start of 2027-28 academic year, every student health center must offer access to medication abortion through one of:
- (i) A public program connecting patients to reproductive health services;
- (ii) A formal agreement with a safety net abortion provider with telehealth capabilities; or
- (iii) Other available methods.
- If a center does not currently offer medication abortion, it must use the most cost-effective option to provide services.
- (2) By start of 2027-28, campuses without a student health center must provide information and referral services for medication abortion, including training staff to connect students to resources (provider directories, telehealth space and tech support, and device access for telehealth).
- (3) All public institutions must maintain a comprehensive health services webpage with clear information on reproductive health services, including:
- Scheduling instructions and contacts for pregnancy-related and behavioral health services.
- Links to campus resources supporting academic accommodations due to pregnancy or treatment.
- An unbroken link to the abortion page on the Department of Health’s sexual and reproductive health site.
Sec. 4 — Administrative note
- Sections 1–3 constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.
Impact and implications
- For students: Increased, on-campus access to medication abortion options or streamlined referrals, potentially reducing travel, cost, and wait times.
- For institutions: Requires capacity-building in student health centers or formal partnerships with safety net providers; development of telehealth solutions and on-campus private space.
- For state programs: Involves the Department of Health’s sexual and reproductive health program as a key partner (safety net provider).
- Timeline: Full implementation targeted by the 2027-28 academic year, with prior steps including staff training and information-sharing requirements moving toward that date.
Next steps
- Monitor progress on introduction, committee approvals, and any amendments during the 2026 session.
- Assess fiscal implications for public institutions and potential funding for telehealth infrastructure and staff training.
