The state of reproductive and sexual health care access on college campuses

Access to reproductive and sexual health care is fundamental to bodily autonomy, gender equality, and the right to make informed decisions about one’s life and future. And yet, barriers to care persist—particularly for young people attending college or university.

That’s why the virtual reproductive and sexual health clinic Hey Jane and nonprofit sexual health advocacy organization Advocates For Youth partnered on a survey to better understand how young people view and navigate reproductive and sexual health services on campus, including the barriers to care.

During the summer of 2023, we surveyed 500 qualified participants (ages 18-24, across diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds) about their attitudes towards and experiences with accessing reproductive and sexual health services on and off campus—in particular, with abortion care, birth control, emergency contraception, and STI and vaginal infections treatments.

The findings make it clear that, while access to safe, discreet reproductive and sexual health care is important to young people, the majority (56%) do not feel comfortable seeking out this care on campus. 

“This survey reflects the massive opportunity that universities have to remove barriers to reproductive and sexual health care services for their students,” said Kiki Freedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Hey Jane. “That’s why it’s more important than ever for universities to step up to provide these services without the barriers and stigma students commonly report today. Whether through their on-campus health centers or partnering with telemedicine platforms, like Hey Jane, universities can offer students the safe, affordable, supportive, and discreet care they deserve from the comfort of their dorm room.” (You can learn more about how your university or campus health center can partner with Hey Jane here.)

Click below to read the entire report: Campus Reproductive and Sexual Health Access Survey.