New Jersey advances bill criminalizing interference with abortion access
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A New Jersey House committee on Monday introduced a Democrat-backed bill that would criminalize people who interfere with access to transgender and reproductive health care.
The House Appropriations Committee approved the measure along party lines, paving the way for a potential full vote in the Legislature later this week before reaching out to Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill for a signature.
If the measure becomes law, New Jersey would become the first state to explicitly criminalize such interference.
The law, which first came into force in the summer of 2024, would create a new criminal offense for “interference with reproductive health services,” including abortion procedures. New Jersey Monitor stated He said the measure would also protect transgender access to health care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and related mental health treatments.
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People wave the Transgender Pride flag during the 2023 LA Pride Parade on June 11, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Robyn Beck/AFP)
The protections would also extend to individuals traveling to New Jersey from areas where abortion is restricted or illegal. Healthcare providers and facilities would also be protected under the proposal, which includes legal penalties for allegations of interference originating from out of state.
According to the New Jersey Monitor, the bill’s sponsor is Sen. Sen., D-Essex. “This bill is to protect health care. It’s not a political debate. It’s not a culture war talking point. It’s health care,” Teresa Ruiz previously said. “Our law enforcement will not carry out another state’s agenda.”
Republican lawmakers and opponents argued Monday that the bill could violate free speech rights, further erode parental rights and effectively make New Jersey a “sanctuary state” for certain providers, according to the publication.
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Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, New Jersey Senate Majority leader, speaks at a press conference on January 24, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Mustafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Gregory Quinlan, founder and leader of the conservative advocacy group Garden State Center for Families, said anti-abortion activists could face arrest just for praying outside clinics or participating in what he calls “sidewalk counseling” sessions.
Despite the criticism, Ruiz has previously said the bill “is not a violation of First Amendment rights,” according to the New Jersey Monitor.
According to the bill, medical institutions and public officials will be prohibited from disclosing patient information without explicit consent, further strengthening the protection of privacy.
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Shortly after taking office in January, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order 12 restricting some immigration enforcement activities on state property. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
The measure would also make it a fourth-degree crime to harass, harm, or prevent individuals from accessing or providing such services, while providing protection for providers from extradition to states that criminalize reproductive or transgender treatments.
Violators who cause serious bodily harm to individuals receiving such services may face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Beyond criminal penalties, the proposal would also allow civil lawsuits and give the state attorney general the authority to seek injunctive relief and financial penalties against alleged violators.
