A bill that would require public college and university health centers to distribute abortion drugs passed the California Assembly and awaits the signature of Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The legislation, SB 24, passed the state Senate, 28–11, on Friday. Republicans voted against it in both chambers. Some Democrats abstained. State Sen. Connie Leyva (D) championed the bill as a reproductive rights issue, reported the Sacramento Bee. “In a time when states across our country are rolling back women’s health care and access to abortion, California continues to lead the nation to protect every individual’s right to choose,” Leyva said, adding:

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SB 24 reaffirms the right of every college student to access abortion. By ensuring that abortion care is available on campus, college students will not have to choose between delaying important medical care or having to travel long distances or miss classes or work.

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Leyva continued that having drug-induced abortions on campus will encourage students to achieve academically.

Former Gov. Jerry Brown, also a Democrat, vetoed a similar measure last year, stating forcing the distribution of abortion drugs on all public campuses was “not necessary.” “Access to reproductive health services, including abortion, is a long-protected right in California,” Brown said in his veto message. “According to a study sponsored by supporters of this legislation, the average distance to abortion providers in campus communities varies from five to seven miles, not an unreasonable distance.” “Because the services required by this bill are widely available off-campus, this bill is not necessary,” he added.

Planned Parenthood is urging Newsom to sign the bill into law:

However, Students for Life of America (SFLA) protested the bill, and members of the pro-life organization testified against it.

“California legislators are recklessly experimenting with students’ lives and health by advancing a plan to force school health centers to become abortion vendors,” said SFLA President Kristan Hawkins.

The pro-life leader explained the effects of drug-induced abortions on young women:

These Toilet Bowl Abortions would create havoc on campuses, as girls are sent to their dorm bathrooms to bleed and pass an aborted infant in a toilet, without medical supervision or assistance. Why would California schools want to expose their students and their universities to that kind of deadly risk?

(Excerpt from Breitbart. Article by Susan Berry.)