The implementation of on-campus medicated abortions has been a prolonged effort at the University of Oregon. Now, UO’s chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America, along with ASUO and 10 other student organizations are charging forward with the effort.
So far, 1100 students have signed petitions to support medicated abortion access on campus. Several student organizations have also published letters of support.
ASUO President Prissila Moreno is eager to rally more student signatures before meetings with administration in winter term. Quantifying student engagement is key in having valuable conversations with administrators — “It’s always a question of, do you guys want this, or do students want this?” Moreno said.
YDSA hopes to continue canvassing efforts and hold a larger demonstration during winter term to show the extent of student participation. Additionally, YDSA plans to meet with new UHS director Margaret Trout and gauge her interest in supporting campaign efforts.
Students for Choice President Karlie Windle said administrators have had concerns in the past due to the controversial nature of the campaign, and the inability to financially support the service at UHS. Specifically, UHS noted they did not have a full-time staff member on call 24/7 to aid students undergoing side effects.
Key players in the coalition point to House Bill 2002, a broad reproductive health care bill passed by Oregon legislators in 2023. However, the House Republicans walked out, refusing to sign, and as a result “the abortion care part of the legislation did not get passed,” Windle said.
Moreno said the university points to HB 2002, a state decision, as an incentive to not implement medicated abortions at UO.
Medicated abortions on college campuses are a relatively new concept, primarily implemented at universities in California. Under Senate Bill 24, all University of California and California State campuses were required to provide abortion medication at student health care clinics by Jan. 1, 2023.
Despite the disappointment of HB 2002 for coalition leaders, Oregon continues to provide legal protections for abortions. Oregon allows abortions at any point during the pregnancy, offering access to medication and procedural abortions. Medication abortion is an option, depending on the medical facility, for those in week 10 or 12 of the pregnancy.
Oregon additionally requires that most health insurance plans provide abortion coverage at no extra cost.
In Eugene there are two Planned Parenthood locations, ranging from a 10 to 20-minute drive. At the Eugene-Springfield Health Center, the abortion pill can be prescribed up to 11 weeks, while an in-clinic procedural abortion caps at 13 weeks and six days.
A medicated abortion can cost up to around $800, with Planned Parenthood reporting a national average cost landing at roughly $580.
The effort for a closer option at UO is extremely time sensitive, Windle said. “ASUO members only hold their positions for a year and a lot of us (Students for Choice) are graduating.”
Amid a campus-wide budget crisis and constant student leadership turnaround, Elinor Christensen, member of YDSA, remains optimistic.
“It’s something that a large amount of the student body wants, and as long as we are able to quantify that support, I think our success rate will be high.”
Meira Fiber-Munro • Jan 23, 2026 at 4:41 pm
this was really well-reported! great job.