Wesleyan University to cover abortion costs for students

Starting this fall, Wesleyan University will cover the costs of abortion services for its students.

The elite literal arts school in Connecticut confirmed Thursday that its student health center will offer free emergency contraceptives and help finance abortion procedures in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last June.

“Wesleyan University has long provided financial support for those in need beyond what their medical insurance might cover,” the school said in a statement.

“At a time when reproductive freedom is being threatened around the country, Wesleyan is dedicated to providing students with support for free emergency contraception or for the decision to terminate a pregnancy.”

Wesleyan — located in an abortion-protected state — had previously provided birth control free of charge to its students and offered emergency contraceptives such as Plan B and Ella at a cost.

The school decided to expand its abortion services starting in the 2023 fall semester in response to demands from the campus’ Democratic Socialists club.

The group launched an online petition claiming that it was “reasonable” to demand access to free contraceptives considering the school had already made a pro-choice commitment to its campus.

“You can have change. Change doesn’t always have to be difficult, and change doesn’t always mean people are going to tell you no,” Ruby Clarke, a Wesleyan Democratic Socialists member, told WSFB.

The Wesleyan Democratic Socialists also requested covered expenses for off-campus abortions — including transportation to and from clinics — and care for students during academic breaks and those studying abroad, as well as expanded access to information regarding reproductive care access.

The university gave in to the club’s demands, stating it would offer financial assistance to any student whose insurance would not cover the procedure. The school would rely on a student’s insurance plan to pay for abortion services if it were included in the coverage.

All students regardless of insurance status would be eligible for free emergency contraceptives after consulting with a nurse at the health center, the school said.

The announcement came one week after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that expanded abortion access across the Empire State’s public college campuses.

The bill ensures that any student enrolled at a State University of New York or City University of New York campus will have access to abortion medication.

Hochul signed another law that allows pharmacists to dispense contraception over the counter, as opposed to requiring a prescription.