“We at Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey applaud the members of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee for passing A2134 and A1656 out of committee earlier today with bipartisan support. These two bills will help to expand access to reproductive health services in New Jersey by reversing the harmful cuts put in place by former Governor Christie. A2134 will restore essential funding for lifesaving, preventive services, including breast and cervical cancer, birth control, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, while A1656 will expand Medicaid coverage for reproductive health services to more New Jersey women, improving care and reducing unintended pregnancy in the state.

“For eight years, Planned Parenthood supporters, advocates, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to have this funding restored. These supporters have called their legislators, written letters to the editor, “pinked out” the State House at rallies, and held their elected officials accountable, all to ensure that women across New Jersey can access the care they need, when they need it.

“Last Monday, the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee also passed identical bills out of committee. On Thursday February 1, the Senate is scheduled to hold a full vote on these bills, with the Assembly following shortly thereafter. We call on the full state Legislature to continue to right the wrongs of the previous administration and vote to restore family planning funding. We know that 75 percent of New Jerseyans support the restoration of family planning funding. We look forward to the state legislature and Governor Murphy taking swift action to restore this funding and protect and expand access to reproductive health care.”