Thrive NJ Coalition statement on new abortion rights bill, challenges legislators to take real action to expand access in next session
While protecting our rights, new bill still leaves the most vulnerable New Jerseyans behind
TRENTON, NJ — Monday, January 10th, both houses of the New Jersey State Legislature passed S49/A6260, a bill that codifies into state statute the existing right to abortion for New Jerseyans, currently protected by state case law. This comes as the nation awaits a U.S. Supreme Court decision that will weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that legalized abortion across the country nearly 50 years ago.
This new bill – a separate bill from the Reproductive Freedom Act (S3030/A4848) – is sponsored by Senators Weinberg, Greenstein and Sweeney and Assemblymembers Vainieri-Huttle, Jasey and Mukherji. The bill moves our state forward when it comes to protecting rights, but it notably still leaves many communities without improved access to abortion.
Statement from Thrive NJ:
“Today, the Thrive New Jersey coalition commends the important step forward that S49/A6260 represents. This bill strongly affirms the right to abortion for every person present in our state, supporting people in making their own personal health care decisions.
“While we recognize codifying the right to abortion as an important first step, this bill does not address the very real gaps in access that many New Jerseyans face when trying to exercise these rights. Our coalition will continue to advocate for meaningful policy changes through legislative and administrative action, so that everyone in New Jersey — regardless of where they live, their income, or immigration or insurance status — can make decisions about birth control, prenatal care, and abortion with dignity.”
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Thrive NJ is a statewide coalition of organizations working collectively to promote sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice through policy change and advocacy. Contact: info@thrive-nj.org