Statement On Arizona Supreme Court Ruling On Abortion

Dear PCC Students and Employees,

Following the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision upholding a 160-year-old law that imposes a near-total ban on abortion, the College is reaching out to express our support for students and employees who may be adversely impacted by this decision and to provide information about specific resources available through the College.

I am deeply concerned about the consequences this decision may have on our community. While legal challenges and legislative action may continue, what is certain is that restricting or outlawing abortions will, directly and indirectly, affect our students and employees, especially lower-income female students and women of color. Research shows women faced with an unplanned pregnancy and parenthood, injured by illegal abortions or prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy face higher risks of dropping out of college.

PCC works to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment, and we are proactive in developing programs and enforcing regulations that help all students accomplish their educational and career goals. Examples include strictly adhering to Federal Title IX Regulations, including protections for pregnant and parenting students and resources to report sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or assault.

The College understands this court decision affects members of our community in profoundly different ways. However, we will continue to advocate for and support access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare, and I will continue to personally support the freedom of each person to make their own healthcare decisions. We can and should do more to ensure that Pima is a welcoming and inclusive place for all and that we embrace and live our Culture of Care initiatives and philosophy.

Below are links to College resources that may be helpful in light of the court ruling, including links to crisis counseling and support.

Student Resources

Employee Resources

Employees can reach out to their medical provider or counseling services provided through their medical insurance or the College's Employee Assistance Program.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Jorgensen Brooks Group, 520.575.8623 or 888.520.5400

BlueCross BlueShield (BCBSAZ), 855.818.0236. The College’s expanded employee health insurance coverage under Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona provides a Health Insurance Transportation Benefit. The benefit covers up to $5,000 in eligible travel costs for insured employees and one companion when a covered service cannot be provided in the state where the member resides. Covered services include, but are not limited to, maternity/reproductive health services and pregnancy termination services.

Dolores Durán-Cerda
Interim Chancellor