A2218 would strengthen protections for individuals receiving reproductive health care and protect the medical professionals who provide it

(TRENTON) – The General Assembly has passed Bill A2218, sponsored by Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Ellen Park, Annette Quijano, and Luanne Peterpaul, which provides increased protections for patients seeking reproductive health care services and the medical professionals who provide that care.

The legislation shows New Jersey’s commitment to health care access and comes at a time when other states are taking legal action against both individuals and providers seeking and administering reproductive health care services.

“Health care decisions belong to patients and their providers," said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). "By establishing safeguards for those involved in the provision of reproductive health care services, this reinforces New Jersey's commitment to ensuring access to essential care and preventing barriers that can disrupt the delivery of legally protected health services. Every individual should be able to engage in the delivery of reproductive health care without fear, delay, or intimidation."

The legislation would create the new crime of “interference with reproductive health care services,” forbidding anyone from intimidating or physically obstructing a patient from accessing reproductive health care services. The bill would also protect patient information and safeguard health care professionals who provide these reproductive health services, including, but not limited to, services relating to pregnancy, contraception, managing infertility, or termination of a pregnancy.

“Individuals should be able to access necessary services without fear of legal repercussions for themselves or their providers, fears that could lead to gaps in care,” said Assemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “This bill helps ensure that health care remains focused on patients and not political whims.”

“No one’s health should be up for public debate. It is between you and your doctor, and it should stay that way,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “New Jersey is considered a safe haven state for reproductive health care, and this legislation will provide even further protection.”

The legislation would also protect out-of-state patients and health care providers, facilities, and practitioners who serve them by preventing their extradition to another state under certain circumstances related to “legally protected health care activity.”

“As other states move to restrict access to reproductive health care, New Jersey needs to assure our residents that they are safe to make their own health care decisions,” said Assemblywoman Peterpaul (D-Monmouth). “We have fought too hard for the right for health care freedom. This bill will ensure that New Jersey offers protections that every patient and healthcare professional deserves.”