California Senate approves abortion pill bill on campuses

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California is inching closer to becoming the first state to require public universities, including Fresno State, to offer the abortion pill on campus after a bill passed the state Senate recently.

It would still need approval from the assembly along with the governor's signature. Reactions on campus were mixed.

"Because we already provide condoms for men this would be another option just for women to protect themselves," Fresno State student, Jeanette Garnica explained.

Shannen Winkles from Fresno State said, "I personally have known a lot of friends who have been kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. Should I take Plan B, do I have the money for it?"

The bill would make the drug free to students, none of the 34 UC or CSU campuses currently offer abortion services at their health centers, instead, students are referred to outside providers

The director of medical services at Fresno State says student safety is its top priority.

Medical Services Director Khampha Thephavong said, "Our Wellness Center is well run and we focus a lot on STI prevention. We do a lot of education on HIV prevention."

Members of Fresno State Students for Life testified during the Senate Education Committee hearing on behalf of student groups across California that oppose the bill.