Rep. Mikie Sherrill convenes reproductive freedom roundtable discussion

MORRISTOWN, NJ — This morning, Representative Mikie Sherrill visited the Planned Parenthood health center in Morristown to convene a roundtable discussion on reproductive freedom. Joined by advocates and health care providers, Representative Sherrill reaffirmed her commitment to protecting and expanding access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion.

“At a time when right-wing politicians are pushing to restrict access to abortion and women’s health care, I am fighting for policies–such as expanding access to contraception–that empower women to make their own health care decisions. I’m grateful to Planned Parenthood and all of our partners on today’s panel — the advocates, legal experts, and medical professionals who are key leaders in the state of New Jersey fighting for better health outcomes and civil rights,” said Rep. Sherrill.

Rep. Sherrill highlighted her recently introduced federal legislation, the Convenient Contraception Act. This bill would mirror a New Jersey law that permits individuals to obtain twelve months of contraception in one visit to a provider. Justin Zimmerman, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, which oversees New Jersey’s program, spoke about the importance of breaking down barriers to accessible reproductive health care services.

“As part of Governor Murphy’s comprehensive efforts to protect and expand access to reproductive health services, the Governor signed legislation that expands contraception coverage required under department-regulated health plans and Medicaid from a 6-month to a 12-month supply,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “With this action, the state has reduced the number of medical provider visits for individuals seeking birth control and also decreased the number of trips to a pharmacy for this medication. By making a full year’s supply of birth control easier to obtain, individuals are able to avoid a lapse in taking this medication, which is essential to their reproductive health plan.”

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last summer, abortion has been banned or severely restricted in 21 states across the country, leading to confusion and devastation for patients. New Jersey has charted a different course, and has sought to protect and expand access to the full range of reproductive health care.

“Every week, I provide care to patients who were forced to travel to New Jersey from their home states where abortion is illegal or inaccessible,” shared Rahbbea Norton-Lee, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and the Associate Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. “But those are only the patients who could navigate the time off work, childcare, airfare, and hotel stays required to make the trip. My heart goes out to the patients who cannot overcome those significant barriers.”

“While states across the country are pushing abortion care and other reproductive health services out of reach, New Jersey continues to lead,” said Jackie Cornell, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “Our state proudly stands up for patients who need and deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion.”

In January 2022, New Jersey enshrined the right to abortion into state law with the passage of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act. The state has also enacted laws that protect patients and providers in the state. Still, more can be done to ensure that the full range of reproductive health care services are accessible to all, regardless of income, insurance status, or identity.

“As anti-abortion lawmakers across the country continue to strip the fundamental right to abortion from millions of people, now is the moment for New Jersey lawmakers to take action by eliminating barriers that continue to keep people from accessing abortion and other reproductive health care,” said Jeanne LoCicero, Legal Director of ACLU of New Jersey.

“Reproductive health equity means dismantling obstacles to care, both obvious and hidden. Even with the right to abortion codified in state law, financial barriers and limited availability keep reproductive care out of reach for far too many,” said Brittany Holom-Trundy, Senior Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective. “Lawmakers need to prioritize policies that provide stability, reduce uncertainty, and empower all of our residents and their families.”

“Our Legislature has the opportunity to continue breaking down the barriers to full abortion access and the true realization of reproductive health, rights and justice for all individuals in our State. NCJW, along with our Thrive NJ Coalition partners, look forward to continuing this important work with our elected representatives,” said Phoebe Pollinger, the New Jersey State Policy Advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women.

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization, and the advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates in New Jersey. We advocate for access to essential health care through education, activism, voter engagement, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. For more information, visit our website at: www.ppactionnj.org.