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WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 22 – Campus Access Guaranteed: New Law Requires College Health Centers to Offer Contraception and Abortion
Illinois has mandated a major expansion of healthcare services on its public college and university campuses. House Bill 3709 (Public Act 104-0433) requires public institutions with student health services to provide access to a full range of reproductive healthcare, starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
This groundbreaking law is a direct response to student advocacy and removes geographical and financial barriers, ensuring college students can access essential care without having to leave campus or delay treatment.
Key Mandates for Public Colleges and Universities
The law amends the Public Higher Education Act and applies to all public colleges and universities in the state that operate student health services.
1. Mandated Access to Prescribing Professionals
Every public university student health service must now ensure enrolled students have access to healthcare professionals authorized under state law to prescribe:
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Contraception: Professionals must be available to discuss and prescribe all forms of contraception, including medication and procedural-based forms. This access must be provided through student health services, telehealth, or licensed external providers.
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Medication Abortion: Similarly, professionals authorized to prescribe medication abortion must be accessible through the campus health service.
2. On-Campus Dispensing Requirement
The law significantly addresses convenience by focusing on campus pharmacies:
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Contraception: If the institution’s student health services includes a pharmacy, that pharmacy must be able to dispense contraception to enrolled students who wish to fill their prescriptions on campus.
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Medication Abortion: If the campus health service includes a pharmacy, the institution must make medication abortion available at a physical location on campus.
3. Critical Safety Protocols and Transparency
Recognizing the sensitivity of this care, the law includes strict safety and transparency requirements:
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Referral Agreement: Institutions dispensing medication abortion must enter into a referral agreement with a tertiary care facility (a high-level hospital) with obstetrics and gynecological services in the event of complication or suspected complicated pregnancy.
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Website Information: Public institutions must post clear, accessible information on their student health services website regarding how students can access both medication contraception and medication abortion on campus.
Illinois is now the first state in the Midwest to guarantee this level of campus access, setting a new standard for student health equity.
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Job and Career Listings
Happy Hearts Senior Center Seeks Home Delivery Driver
Metropolis, IL – Happy Hearts Senior Center is excited to announce an opening for a Home Delivery Driver, aiming to enhance service to seniors in the community. The position operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and is a vital role within the organization.
Candidates for this position must possess a valid Driver’s License and demonstrate excellent skills in interacting with seniors, ensuring a compassionate and friendly delivery experience.
Those interested in applying or seeking more information about the position are encouraged to reach out directly to Site Director, Bettie Stoner, at 618-524-9755.
This opportunity is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the elderly population in Metropolis. Happy Hearts Senior Center looks forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to their team.
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