Illinois General Assembly bill HB3709 seeks to expand reproductive healthcare services for students at public institutions of higher education across the state. Sponsored by Representative Anna Moeller, the legislation mandates that public universities and colleges provide access to contraception and medication abortion through their student health services starting with the 2025-2026 academic year.

Under the proposed law, public institutions with student health services would be required to ensure students have access to healthcare professionals authorized to prescribe contraception. If the campus includes a pharmacy, it must also dispense prescribed contraception. Similarly, healthcare professionals must be available to prescribe medication abortion, with university pharmacies dispensing such prescriptions if applicable. These services can be provided through in-person consultations, telehealth services, or external licensed providers.

In addition, institutions dispensing medication abortion would need to establish referral agreements with tertiary care facilities offering obstetrics and gynecological services to address potential complications. Schools would also be required to report their compliance with these policies annually to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, which will make this information publicly available online.

The bill defines “contraception” broadly, including both medication and medical devices used to prevent pregnancy. It also specifies that “medication abortion” refers to terminating a pregnancy through prescribed medication.

If passed, HB3709 would take effect immediately, giving public colleges and universities time to implement the required changes before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Institutions must also ensure compliance is documented and reported annually.