Hi John,

For once, we’re coming to you with an abortion access win! Yes, really! After years (and yes, we do mean years!) of tireless work organizing and mobilizing students in New York, we’re so thrilled to share that the New York State legislature passed a law expanding access to medication abortion on campus!
 
Angelique Molina and I are both New York Campus Co-Coordinator for Abortion Access at Advocates for Youth, and we’re so thrilled this bill will put abortion pills on the vast majority of SUNY and CUNY campuses.

Reproductive Justice Collective New York, a student-led initiative, has spearheaded this work from the beginning. Young people will never let access to abortion disappear in this country. We’re working on proactive solutions even as the far right continues its relentless attacks on abortion access.

Right now, one judge’s attempt to ban mifepristone, one of the drugs used for medication abortion, is making national headlines as the Supreme Court considers the case. And it was less than a year ago that Roe vs Wade was overturned. For Angelique and myself among many other youth activists fighting for abortion access, it’s been a tough year. We’re thrilled at what the students of New York have been able to achieve.

But this victory is not just great for college students in New York. It’s part of a nationwide movement that includes Massachusetts and California, and can stand as a model for any state that wants to ensure college students have access. (In fact, Advocates for Youth is already planning which state we can go to next with this transformative policy change). We’re so thrilled to help states fight back against anti-abortion extremists

We don’t know what will happen with mifepristone in the courts. If necessary, instead of the standard “mifepristone and misoprostol” regimen for medication abortion, abortion providers can use a misoprostol-only regimen. Either way, this new law is a huge step in fighting back and keeping abortion accessible.

Young people have the right to the abortion care they need when they need it. We will never stop fighting for abortion access.

In solidarity,

Niharika/Nix Rao
Advocates for Youth