On Wednesday, July 12, 2022, South Jersey Progressive Democrats (SJPD) hosted a rally outside the headquarters of State Senator Fred Madden and Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, calling on these Legislative District 4 representatives to support reproductive freedom in this pivotal moment. Madden and Mosquera have both been holdouts on statewide legislation to protect safe abortion services. Senator Madden has been a longtime no vote on safe abortion services. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, Madden and Mosquera both abstained on a vote to codify reproductive rights in New Jersey in this critical time.

“As a South Jersey Democrat, I know this is a time when we need our elected Democratic officials to truly lead and I expect our officials to do just that. We are in a scary place, nationally, watching our essential freedoms under attack. I commend Assemblyman Paul Moriarty for his vote in support of reproductive freedom and I urge Senator Fred Madden and Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera to do the same. Stand up for safe abortion service and reproductive justice. We cannot afford you sitting on your hands. We need your votes and your support,” said Kate Delany, President of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.

“A politician’s personal belief about abortion should not dictate legislation. At a time when we need our NJ legislators to protect women’s rights, we were let down by some. Thankfully, we had Governor Murphy and other legislators who did protect us,” said Kelly Redkoles, Chair of the Harrison Township Democrats.

“Senator Madden was the only Senate Democrat to vote no on the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act and Assemblyperson Mosquera abstained,” noted Judy Walker, Pitman resident, new grandmother, and long-time fundraiser for a Delaware Valley abortion fund.  “As a constituent whose human rights were just gutted by the Supreme Court, I hope both elected reps will rise above any personal feelings they may have about abortion, and pledge to support those of us who became second class citizens on June 24 with upcoming reproductive rights legislation.”