Bloomfield Councilwoman ‘Outraged’ Over Abortion Bans In FL, AZ

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A mayoral candidate in New Jersey says she is “outraged” about recent developments surrounding abortion bans in Florida and Arizona.

Bloomfield Councilwoman Jenny Mundell issued a statement on Wednesday blasting the recent codification in Florida of a ban on abortion beyond six weeks, as well as an Arizona Supreme Court ruling that the state must adhere to a 123-year-old law barring all abortions except in cases when “it is necessary to save” a pregnant woman’s life.

“Florida and Arizona’s morally reprehensible new laws now make them two of the most restrictive states in the country to obtain an abortion, and these recent Supreme Court decisions will impose tremendous anguish on women who are attempting to exercise their basic human right to bodily autonomy,” Mundell said.

Mundell said Bloomfield and the rest of New Jersey needs to remain a “safe haven for women’s reproductive rights,” noting that Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes has publicly pledged that she won’t enforce the law.

Meanwhile, there is currently an effort by abortion rights organizations to gather enough signatures to force a November 2024 ballot measure that will give voters the opportunity to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution, Mundell said.

“Reproductive health care and women’s health care is health care – period,” the councilwoman said.

“These laws deny women authority over their own health and bodies and further, impede access to care that has an indelible impact on a woman’s existence,” Mundell added. “I am truly fearful of the consequences this will have on the lives of women and their families.”

New Jersey passed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act in 2022, which ensures access to abortions in the state. See Related: NJ Abortion Law Sees Fierce Controversy; Here's What It Will Do

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