NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The National Association of Social Workers – New Jersey Chapter (NASW-NJ) stands with women and their clients in vehement opposition to HB 314, the “Alabama Human Life Protection Act,” which would ban abortion in all circumstances.

Signed into law on Wednesday by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, the measure is in direct opposition to NASW-NJ’s Code of Ethics, which states that “social workers respect and promote the rights of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals.”

“As social workers, we support the right of individuals to decide for themselves when and if they choose to become parents,” says Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of NASW-NJ. “All social work services should be provided safely and competently, in a nonjudgmental manner, based on evidence-based practice and the needs of the client, rather than on the personal beliefs of another individual.”
NASW-NJ is committed to standing in solidarity with others to uphold the values and ethics of the social work profession, and to continue to:

• Oppose the repeal of Roe v. Wade
• Repeal other restrictions on public and private insurance coverage of abortions
• Resist any restrictions to abortion access that do not meet the Supreme Court’s Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt decision, unless such restrictions offer evidence-based medical or safety benefits sufficient to justify any burdens
• Oppose all efforts to deny federal and state funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, to Planned Parenthood and other providers associated with abortion.

“We will continue to work with legislators in New Jersey to ensure our representatives understand the dire impact that legislative actions, such as those taken in Alabama, have on women—and on our community as a whole,” says Thompson. “We are stronger when we uphold the values of our profession and support the right of all individuals to self-determination.”

ABOUT NASW-NJ

The National Association of Social Workers – New Jersey (NASW-NJ) seeks to enhance the professional growth and development of social workers, to maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies on behalf of the populations, clients, and communities that they serve. For more information on Social Work Month or NASW-NJ, visit https://www.naswnj.org/.

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