SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A controversial bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could allow medication abortion and contraceptives to be provided on public university and community college campuses.

The plan would require campus healthcare professionals to discuss contraception and abortion options with students before sending prescriptions to campus pharmacies. It also states that these services could be provided through in-person appointments, telehealth, or other licensed providers.

"Abortion is healthcare," said Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "While there may be people in this chamber who disagree with that, it's not about morality. It's about rights."

The legislation also calls on each college campus with student health services to publicize information online on how students can access medication abortion or contraception on campus. Students would be able to pay out-of-pocket or use their health insurance to receive the reproductive healthcare.

"Take pressure off of our local clinics and Planned Parenthood organizations who have been inundated with the need for services here in Illinois because of the restrictions on access to abortion in many of our neighboring states," said Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). 

House Bill 3709 passed out of the Senate on a partisan 37-19 vote. The proposal received a partisan 78 to 39 vote in the House.

If signed into law, campus health centers would be required to provide the reproductive healthcare services at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

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