NJ DCF Leaders Issue Statements on SCOTUS Decision on Roe v. Wade

Supreme Court Decision ‘incompatible’ with family-serving focus,

support for women’s rights

TRENTON – In response to today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court striking down reproductive freedoms enshrined in the Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey legal precedents, NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer and DCF Division on Women Director Anna Martinez issued the following statements, condemning the decision for its impact on family well-being and women’s right to choose:

From NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer:

“Right now, anxiety is at an all-time high, as we look at a future in which reproductive rights and freedoms to engage in family planning are under assault by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“Fortunately, in New Jersey, the Governor and Legislature have taken steps to preserve reproductive freedoms by enshrining this right into state law. But for our friends and family members throughout the rest of the country, in states with restrictive abortion laws or in the process of adopting restrictions, this decision from the Supreme Court is certainly cause for concern. 

“Throughout the country, survivors of domestic and sexual assault who may have terminated an unwanted pregnancy are being forced to relive their trauma, knowing their rights are in jeopardy. 

“At DCF, we’re working to support families in new ways, through upstream prevention services, and supports that reduce stress and reduce the likelihood for maltreatment.  Unplanned pregnancy has the potential to increase family stress, spiking demand for the family’s material needs and resulting in greater family strain.  This Supreme Court decision is incompatible with a family-centered approach, and will put greater pressure and strain on child welfare systems around the country.

DCF stands with the rest of the Governor’s Administration in continuing to support families and ensure that access to reproductive health care is a part of that support.” 

From DOW Director Anna Martinez:

“When women don’t have access to family planning health care, the potential for unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and children is high, as is the potential for injury and illness. New Jersey’s Division on Women was formed to advance the role and rights of women. We stand by the women of New Jersey and will continue that work today just as we have done every day.

“The U.S. Supreme Court decision is certainly cause for alarm. While New Jersey has taken the affirmative approach of codifying freedoms in statute before we reached this point, many other states have not. 50 years of reproductive freedoms, for countless women across the country have been eroded.

“At DOW, we recognize that anxiety about reproductive freedom is high right now and we will continue to stand for women’s rights and support our sister states where we can in combating the continued erosion of these rights.

“DCF and DOW are ready to help where we can and maintain that all women have the right to choose, no matter where they live.”