Abortion Protections For Out-Of-Staters Become NJ Law

TRENTON, NJ — One week after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, New Jersey strengthened protections for out-of-staters who seek abortions in New Jersey and those who provide or help them access the care. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bills into law Friday, with abortion expected to become illegal or heavily restricted in about half of states.

Another measure that would require New Jersey health-insurance plans to fully cover abortions, while appropriating $20 million toward a Reproductive Health Access Fund, remains stalled in the State Legislature. Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a similar measure May 11 in the wake of the Supreme Court's leaked draft opinion on Roe. But it hasn't seen clear enthusiasm among lawmakers, despite Democrats holding majorities in both the State Senate and Assembly.

The first bill Murphy signed into law Friday would prevent the disclosure of a patient's medical records related to reproductive health care without their consent in any civil, probate, legislative or administrative proceeding. It also prohibits law enforcement and public employees from cooperating with out-of-state investigations seeking to hold someone liable for seeking, receiving, facilitating or providing reproductive-health services in New Jersey.

Additionally, the new law prohibits state licensing boards from suspending, revoking or refusing to renew the license or registration of a professional based solely on their involvement in the provision of abortions or other reproductive care.

The second law prevents extradition to other states for receiving, providing or facilitating reproductive care in New Jersey.

"While others throughout the country are revoking a woman’s right to reproductive freedom, New Jersey will continue to defend this fundamental right in our state," Murphy said. "By bolstering protections against potential repercussions for both health care professionals and patients, we are sending a message to all who seek or provide reproductive health care within our borders that we welcome and support you."

The new laws codify the state's refusal to assist with investigations involving people who come to New Jersey for an abortion. Murphy announced in May that New Jersey wouldn't cooperate with out-of-state in the matter.

New Jersey codified abortion's legality in January after the passage of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act. While reproductive-rights advocates called the bill an important step, they said it didn't go far enough, arguing that out-of-pocket costs maintain barriers for accessing abortions even in states where the procedure is codified into law.

The State Senate and Assembly bills that would effectively eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortions — both introduced days before the high court's decision — remain within legislative committees that have yet to vote on them. Following the Supreme Court's decision last week, several organizations that advocate for reproductive rights — including the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ — called on New Jersey lawmakers to expand access to abortions.

Read more: 'More Needed' For NJ Abortion Access: Reactions to SCOTUS Roe Reversal