A New Jersey Assembly committee on Monday advanced a Democratic-backed bill that would criminalize interference with access to abortion and transgender healthcare. The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved the measure along party lines, clearing the way for a potential full vote in the Legislature later this week before reaching Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill for her signature. If enacted, the measure would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to explicitly criminalize such interference.
The legislation, first introduced in the summer of 2024, would establish a new criminal offense for 'interference with reproductive health services,' including abortion procedures. It would also protect access to transgender healthcare for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and related mental health treatments. Protections would extend to individuals who travel to New Jersey from jurisdictions where abortion is restricted or illegal. Health care providers and facilities would also be shielded under the proposal, which includes legal penalties for alleged interference originating from outside the state.
Bill sponsor Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, previously stated, 'This bill is to protect healthcare. Not a political debate. Not a culture war talking point. Healthcare. Our law enforcement will not carry out another state’s agenda.'
Republican lawmakers and opponents argued that the bill could infringe on free speech rights, further erode parental rights, and effectively make New Jersey a 'sanctuary state' for certain providers.