A proposal moving through the California Legislature could significantly expand healthcare services available at Victor Valley College and other California community college campuses in the next couple of years.
Highlighted in the July Victor Valley College newsletter, Assembly Bill 2540 would require two-year colleges with student health centers to provide access to medication abortion services starting in 2029.
The bill, authored by state Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, D-San Francisco, would also require colleges to increase student awareness of those services through campus communications, informational materials and student health center websites, according to VVC representative Andrew Caravella.
Since 2023, University of California and California State University student health centers have been required to offer medication abortion services. AB 2540 would expand those requirements to California’s community colleges as well.
Supporters of the bill argue that community college students often face barriers to reproductive healthcare, includingtransportation challenges, limited financial resources, work schedules and concerns about privacy. Providing services through campus health centers could reduce those obstacles and improve access to care for students who may otherwise delay or forgo treatment.
However, CalMatters reported concerns from community college leaders and healthcare administrators, who question whether there is adequate staffing, clinical capacity, facilities and funding necessary to implement the services effectively.
As of July 2026, AB 2540 has passed the California Assembly and is advancing through the Senate. If approved bythe Senate and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the measure could become one of the most significant student health center expansions affecting California’s community college system in recent years, proponents said.
For California’s 116 community colleges— including Victor Valley College—the bill highlights an ongoing statewide conversation about healthcare access, student wellness and the evolving role of campus health centers in supporting student success.
The full bill text can be viewed online at calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org.
McKenna Mobley is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com or on Instagram @mckenna_dailypress.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Bill would require abortion medication at California community colleges
Reporting by McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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By McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
