In the state of New Jersey, minors are able to obtain abortion services without parental consent. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Code tit. [The law] excludes provisions from the original Reproductive Freedom Act that ensure all New Jerseyans, including our undocumented community members, individuals who lack insurance coverage, and individuals whose insurance does not cover the cost of abortion care and birth control can access the reproductive health services they need, Vice President of Public Affairs Kaitlyn Wojtowicz said. Abortion is healthcare, one sign read: Thank God for abortion, another said. Dozens of supporters with pink Planned Parenthood signs, winter hats, and scarves. New Jersey: Protected. Published: Oct. 02, 2020, 8:51 p.m. and abortion access in America. (Photo by Sergio Flores/Getty Images). Sheila Oliver, who praised the lawmakers who pushed for the bill. "[4], By the end of the 1800s, all states in the Union except Louisiana had therapeutic exceptions in their legislative bans on abortions. This law will make it easier for women to access contraceptives to prevent pregnancy from happening in the first place, which is one of the best ways to help women maintain control over their own bodies and their lives., Many other medications are available to order long term supplies to ensure individuals are able to take them without interruption. If the study finds this to be true as organizations like the ACLU-NJ have argued the department may enact rules that would require state-regulated plans, like Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the programs that cover public teachers and state employees, to pick up all costs. Governor Murphy also signed S413/A4698, which expands the contraception coverage required under private insurance and Medicaid from a 6-month supply to a 12-month supply. The resulting abortion rate of 13.5 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (1544) represents an 8% decrease from the 2014 rate of 14.6. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. In 2017, 862,320 abortions were provided in clinical settings in the United States. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. by Dana DiFilippo, New Jersey Monitor September 1, 2021. Dana DiFilippo comes to the New Jersey Monitor from WHYY, Philadelphias NPR station, and the Philadelphia Daily News, a paper known for exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable. But it doesnt go far enough, advocates say. All Republicans abstained or voted against it. But all those clinics and others still operating could soon face new restrictions as a federal judge in Texas decides on a lawsuit filed by anti-abortion groups that directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw its approval of mifepristone a widely used drug used in medication abortion thats been around for decades. We must do better. We also know it will protect the health and well being of the people of our state while showing the country and the world New Jersey stands for compassion and freedom.. Under Texas new restrictions, abortions are banned after six weeks, before many women know theyre pregnant. More meaningful reform is needed, though, so that everyone has access to this time-sensitive care, regardless of their income or immigration status, Reynertson added. Phil Murphy signs the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act outside the Teaneck Public Library on Thursday. In fact, its more than deaths due to heart disease and cancer combined. FILE - People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, June 24, 2022. According to Murphys announcement, the bill will explicitly state that all New Jerseyans have the right to make their own decisions when in comes to abortion, birth control and pregnancy-related care. New Jersey Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The legislation was an act of defiance against President Donald Trump after he defunded Planned Parenthood through the Title X program. We firmly believe everyone deserves the ability to make their own personal health choices when it comes to birth control, abortion and pregnancy-related care. This act will promote the health and well-being of the people in our state while showing the country that New Jersey stands for compassion, dignity and freedom.. Follow New Jersey Monitor on Facebook and Twitter. [18], In 2014, Steven C. Brigham lost his medical license and was ordered by theNew Jersey Board of Medical Examiners to divest his ownership in six abortion clinics. In the final analysis, this bill rejects the beliefs of New Jersey voters, opting instead to satisfy and subsidize the Big Abortion Industry. Todays travesty in Texas shows that New Jersey cant take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to abortion rights and the U.S. Supreme Court, said Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, vice president of public affairs of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. We are grateful for the constant advocacy by the governor, legislative champions, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, the Thrive New Jersey Coalition, and more to ensure the state met the moment and secured access to essential health care in the state. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. People under 18 do not need to notify or get consent from parents or guardians to get an abortion. We strive to hold powerful people accountable and explain how their actions affect New Jerseyans from Montague to Cape May. The work is far from over, and we look forward to continuing our advocacy alongside Governor Murphy to ensure that every New Jerseyan can access the reproductive health care they need., "If we are to achieve equality of the sexes, we must trust women and allow them to control their reproductive cycles without governmental interference,said Anjali Mehrotra, President, National Organization for Women of New Jersey. As part of his agreement when his license was revoked, he agreed to sell these in April 2019. Follow him on Twitter at @johnsb01. The Reproductive Freedom Act should be called the License to Kill Act. WebRutgers Laws New Jersey Session Laws Online (1776-current) Known links to Google and HathiTrust copies are included below. It would mandate all abortions, including late-term abortions, to be paid for with taxpayer money, said Shawn Hyland, Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, in a statement. [12] During the 1990s, Steven C. Brigham opened his first abortion clinic in the state in Wyomissing. Planned Parenthood is eager to continue working to ensure that abortion is not only a right, but accessible for all New Jerseyans, regardless of their immigration status, insurance coverage, or income.. New Jersey does not have any of the major types of abortion restrictionssuch as waiting periods, mandated parental involvement or limitations on publicly funded abortionsoften found in other states. Murphy traveled to the Teaneck public library, in Weinbergs home town, to sign the bill alongside Weinberg and Vainieri Huttle, both of whom just left office. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Legal challenges to the reproductive rights of Americans, which have steadily increased in recent years, threaten to limit access to family planning services. I have a 1-year-old grandson. I was proud to join Senator Weinberg in fighting to ensure that the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act would become law.. This bill and the rhetoric weve heard from the other side is: any abortion, at any time, for any reason, on any one, paid for by the taxpayer, Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris) said before the Assembly voted. As we have said throughout our advocacy, to exercise ones right to abortion, contraceptives and carrying a pregnancy to term, one must be able to actually access the full range of health care.. As of May 2018, the state did not require waiting periods or mandatory parental consent for abortions or prohibit state funding for abortions. June 28, 2022: A circuit court overturned an injunction allowing a 2020 law banning abortion at detection of a fetal heartbeat, usually at six weeks, to go into effect. [29] In 2010, the state had 10,277 publicly funded abortions, of which were zero federally funded and 10,277 were state funded. Unfortunately, for too many New Jerseyans, those legal rights do not translate into access, especially for young people, communities of color, low-income communities, the LGBTQIA community and undocumented individuals. The new law is a scaled-back version of a previous bill, the Reproductive Freedom Act, which stalled in the Legislature after it was introduced in 2020 and lost more support when Republicans flipped seven Democratic legislative seats last year.The law as signed does not require insurance companies to cover abortions outright. This law will ensure residents are able to get their medication in a manner that is conducive to their schedule., Prescription contraceptives safeguard the mental and physical health of countless women by giving them more control over their lives, saidformer Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji. The Court scheduled March 21 to consider whether or not they will accept Lakes new petition. All rights reserved (About Us). With the majority of the members of the nations highest court politically conservative, many believe when the court decides this year whether to uphold a Mississippi abortion ban after 15 weeks that it is likely to overturn Roe, the 1973 decision that recognized a womans right to privacy to have an abortion. ", "State-by-state Views on Abortion in America | The COVID States Project", "No. Two thirds of New Jerseyans support the bill, according to a March poll by the National Institute for Reproductive Health. Thats more than deaths from heart disease, more than deaths from cancer, more than deaths from COVID. Print copies are available at the New Jersey State Library Law Library. they began a series of peaceful pro-life protests, most Americans oppose late-term abortions, forcing taxpayers to pay an additional $9.5 million to the Planned Parenthood abortion chain, the board voted to repeal a rule requiring that abortions be performed by licensed physicians. The bill passed the New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign the measure into law this week even though he claims hes a practicing Catholic. New Jersey does not have the restrictions on abortions that other states like Pennsylvania have. New Jersey Monitor provides fair and tough reporting on the issues affecting New Jersey, from political corruption to education to criminal and social justice. Progressive groups like the ACLU-New Jersey, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey and New Jersey Policy Perspective at first criticized the scaled-back bill, saying it fell short of meeting the reproductive health needs for low-income women. 2022 New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 45 - Professions and Occupations Section 45:1-21 - Refusal to license or renew, grounds. 13, Section 35-4.2 (f), New Jersey requires abortion providers who offer services after the 18th week to have admitting and surgical privileges at a hospital within 20 minutes driving time of the abortion facility. WebNew Hampshire has no specific laws protecting abortion. 11 Questions About New Jersey Interlock Device Laws for 2020 ; Justia: 2019 New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 39 Section 39:4-50 - Driving while intoxicated. On COVID's two-year anniversary in N.J., mixed reviews for, Across the country, a big backlash to new renewables is, States rush to revise their abortion laws as a major U.S.. Republicans have been vocal in their opposition to the bill, arguing it goes too far in a state with high abortion rates. 2023 Guttmacher Institute. There were 24,454 legal abortions performed in 2014,going up to 48,110 abortions in New Jersey in 2017. In New Jersey, we trust each individual person to make their reproductive choices for themselves, Murphy said at a news conference on Thursday. Thus, the statute impinges upon the fundamental right of a woman to control her body and destiny. [] New Jersey offers not only a hospitable business climate, but also maintains its progressive values, which include defending a woman's right to choose. This legislation delivers on the promise of equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all New Jersey residents, Weinberg said. Perhaps the legislators who rushed through this Act in the waning moments of their terms did not want citizens to understand fully its inhuman and lethal consequences. of abortions among women aged 1519, by state of residence, 2013 by racial group", "Views about abortion by state - Religion in America: U.S. It will also require private insurance companies to cover birth control and abortion with no out-of-pocket costs. They asked to consider scientific opinions that suggest a fetus has the capacity to feel pain at 20 weeks. Many progressive groups and freedom of choice advocates had mixed reactions to the law. Laws also existed that allowed women to drop off newborn infants at certain designated locations without providing their contact information and without facing legal consequences for child abandonment; such a law is called a Safe-Haven law. Nikita Biryukovcontributed to this story. The group argues the proposal is a political stunt to help Murphys reelection chances next year. The Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act is a comprehensive bill that guarantees women will continue to have the right to make their own personal decisions on their reproductive care, regardless of how the U.S. Supreme Court rules,said Senator Linda Greenstein. Therefore, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to actively participate in breaking down the economic, employment, social, racial, and emotional barriers that lead mothers into thinking that abortion is a better option than life., For our part, the Catholic Church is committed to broadening and increasing awareness about the abundant resources and programs we offer that include life-affirming health and prenatal care, emotional support, assistance in bearing and raising her child, and basic needs such as housing, food, and clothing to pregnant mothers seeking or considering alternatives to abortion.. These laws enshrine protections and make progress for women in New Jersey, said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. To the men speaking out against a womans right to decide their own futures, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, D-Hudson said moments before the vote: Until you have a vagina, you have nothing to say.. The Reproductive Freedom Act will remove barriers to reproductive health, as well as expand access to contraception while reaffirming choice. [14] In 2011, there were 64 facilities which provided abortions of which 24 were abortion clinics. Women from the state participated in marches supporting abortion rights as part of a #StoptheBans movement in May 2019. Primary sponsors for S413/A4698 include Senators Shirley Turner and Teresa Ruiz, as well as former Assemblywoman ValerieVainieriHuttle, and Assemblymembers Mila Jasey and Raj Mukherji. 3 of these laws apply only to postviability abortions. Sixteen percent of facilities in 2017 were abortion clinics (i.e., clinics where more than half of all patient visits were for abortion), 35% were nonspecialized clinics, 33% were hospitals and 16% were private physicians' offices. WebThe legality of abortion in the United States and the various restrictions imposed on the procedure vary significantly depending on the laws of each state or other jurisdiction. [33] As long as the minor has obtained the required information such as risks, benefits, and alternatives, the minor may give informed consent to these services without parental consent. WebNew Jersey lawmakers voted Monday to pass a bill that expands abortion rights in the state ahead of a looming Supreme Court decision that represents the biggest threat to Tap Into Union reportsabout 50 people protested outside the offices of state Sen. Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Assemblyman Jamel Holley, urging them to reject the pro-abortion legislation and support life. In New Jersey, we trust each individual person to make their reproductive choices for themselves,said Governor Murphy. Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life, slammed the bill as disgraceful because it would eliminate language allowing prosecution for infanticide. Is there a wait time for scheduling an abortion and other considerations? Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday codifying the right to an abortion into state law, a move abortion rights advocates say is necessary as the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled it may overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision later this year. Some 38% of reproductive-age women lived in those counties and would have had to travel elsewhere to obtain an abortion. [] I told them that they were wrong, that the voters would accept the sincerity of my beliefs even if they felt differently. WebDenver Newsroom, Jan 10, 2022 / 15:23 pm. The Committee on Abortion was created at the Monmouth Memorial Hospital in Long Branch during the 1940s. Currently, there are no required waiting times and parental consent is not necessary. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. [6] In early 2018, State Sen. Jeff Van Drew quietly withdrew his sponsorship of a bill that supported parental consent before a minor could request an abortion in New Jersey. Access to comprehensive reproductive health care allows women to plan out their lives, enabling them to pursue education and career opportunities, which leads to increased workforce attachment and wages over time. Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, said such legislation is more important now than ever, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to lay bare the unequal access to health care seen across the state. "This law, the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, will protect this basic freedom under New Jersey statute and ensure individual choice on when and whether to have children in a time and place that is compatible with their lifestyles and beliefs. I am incredibly proud to see New Jersey take this important step forward., With Governor Murphys signature today, New Jersey reaffirmed and protected the right to abortion, saidACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. New Jersey Right to Life quickly announced its opposition to the proposal. Murphy also signed legislation to expand contraception coverage under private insurance and Medicaid.. Weinberg resigned last week and Vainieri Huttle lost a primary election for her seat against district-mate, now-state Sen. Gordon Johnson, D-Bergen. The broader measure also would have required insurers to cover contraceptives, and increased the number of health care professionals who can terminate pregnancies. This legislation is critical to protecting residents of our state from infringements on their reproductive rights, regardless of what happens at the federal level. Through a new coalition, Working Together for NJ, pro-lifers in the state have been working hard to stop the radical pro-abortion expansion, warning that it could lead to more human trafficking as well as more abortions . Each year, a broad cross section of people in the United States obtain abortions. The bill passed 23-15 in the Senate and 48-22 with eight abstentions in the Assembly on Monday. Making it easier and more likely for women to access birth control is a crucial component of the family planning services our state is taking steps to protect., Access to reproductive health care and a womans right to choose are fundamental rights in New Jersey,said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Governor Murphy Announces Support for Reproductive Freedom Act, Michael Sol Warren | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, appoint a conservative replacement to the U.S. Supreme Court, worked to reduce infant and maternal mortality. The state Senate and Assembly both introduced versions of it over 330 days ago, but it still hasnt been heard in committee. In 2022 taxpayer funding to Plan Parenthood doubled to 19.9 million. [5] In the 19th century, bans by state legislatures on abortion were about protecting the life of the mother given the number of deaths caused by abortions; state governments saw themselves as looking out for the lives of their citizens. Abortion. These laws would be addressed in court during the 1800s as they related to application in prosecutions of women for having abortions. Contact Editor Terrence McDonald for questions: info@newjerseymonitor.com. WebJustia Free Databases of US Laws, Codes & Statutes. With this legislation, ifRoe v. Wadewere overturned, the right to reproductive choice would be protected in New Jersey. In Utah, the ruling triggered two previously passed laws a 2019 ban on abortion after 18 weeks and a 2020 ban on abortions regardless of trimester, with several exceptions including for instances of risk to maternal health as well as rape or incest reported to the police. She was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists for her report on PetSmart's grooming practices, which was also recognized by the New York Press Club. We also recognize the adolescent mental health crisis we are in. But socially conservative Democratic men in both houses of the state Legislature privately refused to support the bill, saying they did not want to make it too easy to get an abortion. We strive to hold powerful people accountable and explain how their actions affect New Jerseyans from Montague to Cape May. WebThe allowable circumstances are generally when an abortion is necessary to protect the patient's life or health. [8], In January 2021, governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into law, preserving the legal right to obtain an abortion, fulfilling a reelection campaign promise. We urge our states leaders, through legislation and regulatory action, to not only affirm reproductive freedom, but make it truly accessible by lifting financial barriers to ensure we do not leave any communities behind. A person can get an abortion at any age in New Jersey. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, announced he supports that proposal, which will be dubbed the Reproductive Freedom Act. State employees and TESU students/staff can access the searchable Hein Online Session Laws Library with their library card. [7] As of March 2019, New Jersey remained one of the few states in the country that lacked mandatory consent for minors to get an abortion, either through parental notification or judicial bypass. In addition, Murphy signed a separate law (S413) requiring medical professionals in New Jersey who prescribe contraceptives to write prescriptions for 12 months at a time, and for state-regulated insurers to cover the cost. The law was passed in anticipation of a possible Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which was considered likely after the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the court. Today, the need for this bill signing is more urgent than ever. Teaneck Public Library with a crowd of lawmakers, state officials, and advocates donning pink to signal support of Planned Parenthood, The new law is a scaled-back version of a previous bill, the Reproductive Freedom Act, which stalled in the Legislature after it was introduced in 2020 and lost more support when Republicans flipped seven Democratic legislative seats last year.. We have failed as a society when a response to any pregnancy is fear rather than joy. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. The reality is that, ever since Roe v. Wade was decided, abortion care has been out of reach for far too many people in New Jersey. She lives in Central Jersey with her husband, a photojournalist, and their two children. WebUnder New Jersey Admin. These laws expand and protect reproductive freedom in New Jersey at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court considerswhetherto limit or overturn the ruling inRoe v. Wade. No. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. At a time where the fundamental right to access reproductive health care is being challenged across the country, I am proud that New Jersey is taking bold action to safeguard these rights and expand access for all.. Some states prohibit abortion at all stages of pregnancy with few exceptions, others permit it up to a certain point in a woman's pregnancy, while others allow abortion throughout a Planned Parenthood, the Cherry Hill Womens Center, the ACLU of New Jersey and New Jersey Policy Perspective all support the legislation, as does First Lady Tammy Murphy. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Supreme Court is preparing to take a wrecking ball to Roe v. Wade, and that would also demolish our case law in New Jersey, Murphy said before signing the bill during an outdoor ceremony in Teaneck. Murphy, a Catholic, addressed opponents of the new law, saying we can each hold our personal, deeply felt views and still respect each individuals ability to make their own decision., Gov. With the enactment of S49 into law, the Legislature and the Governor are sending a clear message to the nation that in New Jersey, a womans right to choose is, and will remain, a fundamental right, said former Senate President Steve Sweeney, a prime sponsor of the bill. The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google Translate. During the 1940s, hospitals created committees to approve abortion requests with the goal of trying to reduce the number of abortions performed at them. However, far too many New Jerseyans remain unable to access this fundamental right. The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey released a statement about the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act on Wednesday. "[1], In March 2015, New Jersey Governor and US Republican presidential primary candidate Chris Christie issued a statement tothe Susan B. Anthony List that said he supported a 20-week abortion ban . January 22ndis the 49thanniversary ofRoe v. Wade. Polls consistently show thatmost Americans oppose late-term abortionsandtaxpayer-funded abortions. It is rooted in the State Constitution, consistent with decisions by the New Jersey Supreme Court and written to safeguard the fundamental right of women to make their own decisions on reproductive care. Sadly, too often this fear is born out of the mothers uncertainty she will not be able to provide for herself and her child the resources necessary to live a flourishing life. A 2022 state law made abortions after 24 weeks illegal and added several requirements, like ultrasound and parental In 2020 when Democrats were in full control of state government they rolled back restrictions on abortion services, envisioning the state as a safe haven for access. Phil Murphy signed A6260/S49. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Guns are displayed at Shore Shot Pistol Range gun shop in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, U.S. March 19, 2020. [31], The state has an abortion rights activist community. Instead of providing real solutions to decrease the high rate of maternal and infant mortalities and health care disparities among certain populations in New Jersey, S3030/A4848 is perversely laser-focused on barbarically destroying the lives of infants, both before and after they are born, she said. Sophie Nieto-Muoz, a New Jersey native and former Trenton statehouse reporter for NJ.com, shined a spotlight on the states crumbling unemployment system and won several awards for investigative reporting from the New Jersey Press Association. ]Gov. NEW YORK, NY A crisis pregnancy centers lawsuit over a New York law barring employers from discriminating based on reproductive health decision making will be allowed to proceed, a federal court said Monday. The 2020 abortion rate across the entire United States was 14.4. There was a a 9% increase in the abortion rate in New Jersey between 2014 and 2017, from 25.8 to 28.0 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. These advocacy groups have vowed to push for a more ambitious bill in the latest legislative session, which began Tuesday and lasts two years. Enacting the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into statute will help protect the reproductive rights of women in New Jersey against the potential reversal by the United States Supreme Court. No, but it represents an important and essential foundation we can build on. [10][11], Between 1982 and 1992, the number of abortion clinics in the state decreased by twelve, going from 100 in 1982 to 88 in 1992. Marie Tasy, executive director of pro-life group New Jersey Right to Life, said the law signs a death warrant for thousands of innocent children.. [1] Monmouth Memorial Hospital's Dr. Robert A. MacKenzie said of this process, "No physician is going to ask the Committee to consider a case which he has not carefully studied, nor about which he does not feel strongly. This month,they began a series of peaceful pro-life protestsoutside the offices of key state lawmakers. These numbers represent no change in clinics from 2014, when there were 79 abortion-providing facilities overall, of which 41 were clinics. On Thursday, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said this was a historic day for New Jersey. A Gallup poll this summer foundthat 55 percent of Americans think all or almost all abortions should be illegal, while just 29 percent think abortions should be legal under any circumstances. [30], Current Governor Phil Murphy passed a bill into law approving the allocation of $9.5 million in state taxpayer money to Planned Parenthood after President Donald Trump barred clinics that tell patients where they can obtain abortions or clinics offering abortions from receiving federal aid.