Garden State Equality Action Fund: Senate Majority Leader Ruiz introduces new legislative package to strengthen reproductive and bodily autonomy rights

TRENTON, NJ – The right to make decisions about one’s body, life and future without coercion or violence is a fundamental human right. New Jersey is considered one of the strongest and most progressive states when it comes to protecting women’s right to choice and the right to bodily autonomy. In 2022, New Jersey enacted the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, which enshrined in state law the right of individuals to make their own reproductive decisions. This includes the right to contraception, the right to terminate a pregnancy and the right to carry a pregnancy to term, all without government interference or fear of prosecution.

“Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs and its impact at the national level, we must now more than ever continue to protect reproductive health care and the right to bodily autonomy,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Every person has the right to make decisions about their own bodies, lives and futures without interference or fear. Our new package of legislation reaffirms our commitment to ensuring these fundamental human rights are upheld and protected for generations to come. These measures will ensure that all people have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. Together, we will continue to lead the nation in upholding and advancing reproductive health care and the right to bodily autonomy.”

Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the current state of reproductive and bodily autonomy rights in the United States is extremely fragmented and contentious. Today, 14 states have outlawed women’s right to self-determination, and more states are severely restricting women’s rights, leaving millions without access to health care.

That’s why we in New Jersey must continue our work to secure and protect the rights of New Jerseyans for generations to come, no matter which way the political winds blow. Today, we thank our colleagues like Planned Parenthood, Garden State Equality, ACLU, and members of the THRIVE coalition and join with them to introduce eight new bills and S.1513 (Turner/Ruiz) as part of the Reproductive Freedom and Health Justice Bill that will further strengthen reproductive and bodily autonomy rights in our state and ensure our children do not face the reality of having fewer rights than generations before.

“Protecting reproductive rights and ensuring health equity are core principles that guide our legislative efforts in New Jersey,” said Senate President Nick Scutari“I am proud to join Senator Ruiz and my colleagues in advancing reproductive autonomy and access to essential health services for all New Jerseyans.”

The legislative package on reproductive freedom and health justice includes:

p.3490 – Codifies the authority of certain health care providers to perform abortions and clarifies certain operating requirements for abortion facilities.

p.3452 – Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers with respect to the provision of health care services

p.3491 – Ensures protections for patients and providers in accessing and providing protected health care services; establishes residents’ rights to protected health care services that are restricted in other states.

p.3492 – Establishes a Reproductive Health Care Access Fund to improve access to reproductive health care; appropriates the appropriate funding.

p.3493 – Requires the express written consent of certain entities to disclose an individual’s medical information for reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless the disclosure is necessary to provide those services.

p.3494 – Requires a four-year public college to develop and implement a plan for reproductive health services; requires the county college to establish a referral network for reproductive health services.

p.3495- Establishes a loan repayment program for reproductive health professionals and provides $5 million.

p.3496- Provides for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on their gross income tax returns to support reproductive health services.

p.1513 (Turner/Ruiz) – Requires Medicaid to cover the cost of emergency contraception without the need for a prescription or other authorization.

STATEMENTS FROM SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Planned Parenthood of New Jersey Action Fund:

“Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey is pleased to support the introduction of the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill. We are grateful for Senate Majority Leader Ruiz’s leadership in strengthening reproductive freedom and access in New Jersey. With 21 states and counting having eliminated or severely restricted abortion access, now is the time for New Jersey to do everything in its power to strengthen reproductive freedom. These bills respond to the post-Roe health care landscape and protect New Jersey from future attacks on reproductive freedom. Through these bills, New Jersey can ensure everyone has access to reproductive health care and protect patients and providers for years to come.”

– Kaitlyn Wojtowicz – Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

Equality in the Garden State:

“We are proud to work with our coalition partners to ensure New Jersey continues to lead the way in ensuring health equity and bodily autonomy for all who need it. Protecting our valuable providers is a big step toward ensuring everyone receives legally protected health care services, no matter what happens outside of New Jersey.”

– Lauren Albrecht – Director, Advocacy and Organization

ACLU of New Jersey:

“Two years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion, depriving millions of people of their fundamental human right to reproductive autonomy. While this right is firmly protected in New Jersey by our laws and the state Constitution, we must go further to ensure that reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, are not only protected by law, but also accessible and affordable for all who need it. We are grateful to Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Shanique Speight, and all of New Jersey’s leaders for taking steps to expand reproductive freedom in our state, particularly by introducing S3452/A4601, important legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion. We look forward to advocating for the swift passage and implementation of this bill as an important step toward equality, and working with lawmakers to continue to expand abortion access for all.”

– Alejandra Sorto, campaign strategist

Cherry Hill Women’s Center

“We are focused on the health and safety of our patients. In the two years since Dobbs, our role has evolved as we help our communities navigate a radically changed legal landscape and harassment from emboldened anti-abortion activists. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the reproductive freedom and health justice bill, which will significantly improve the experience of all those seeking and providing stigmatized health care services in New Jersey.” – Roxanne Sutocky – Director of Public Affairs

New Jersey Family Planning League

“We applaud the efforts of Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Senate President Nick Scutari to protect reproductive health care and support health equity through the introduction of this landmark package of legislation. These bills will expand access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion. We thank leadership for their commitment to ensuring New Jersey continues to be a beacon of protection against ongoing threats to reproductive rights.” – Rachel Baum, CEO and President of the New Jersey Family Planning League

National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Chapter:

“The National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Chapter, welcomes the introduction and support for passage of the Reproductive Insurance Act – another step forward in reducing barriers to access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and in ensuring both reproductive and religious freedom in reproductive health care choices.” – Phoebe Pollinger – political advocate and chair of the NCJW/Essex Committee on Reproductive Rights

New Jersey Political Perspective:

“This bill will significantly improve access to reproductive health care across the state. Removing financial barriers will ensure that everyone in New Jersey, regardless of income or place of birth, can afford the care they need. Given the attacks on abortion rights and reproductive freedoms, it is critical to protect and expand access to reproductive health care for everyone in the state.” – Brittany Holom-Trundy, Ph.D. – Senior Policy Analyst