New Jersey lawmakers have passed legislation that will offer critical new protections for transgender residents seeking gender-affirming care, alongside broader protections for reproductive healthcare patients and providers. The bill arrives as a growing number of states move to restrict or criminalize transgender healthcare and as transgender families increasingly look to New Jersey as a place where they can access care without fear of legal exposure.
Sponsored in the General Assembly by Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Ellen Park, Annette Quijano and Luanne Peterpaul, the legislation would create a new crime, “interference with reproductive health care services,” making it illegal to intimidate or physically obstruct a patient from accessing care. It would also protect patient information and shield healthcare professionals who provide covered services.
Crucially for transgender residents, the bill would guard against the extradition of out-of-state patients, providers and facilities under certain circumstances tied to “legally protected health care activity.” It is a protection that directly addresses the anxiety many transgender people and their families feel about traveling to or relocating to New Jersey for care. The passage of the bill had been delayed for many months.
Louise Walpin, co-founder of the Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the Legislature passing S2260/A2218, affirming that transgender individuals seeking healthcare in New Jersey and their families can do so without fear of interference or harm. We eagerly await the governor’s signature so that we can all have the confidence that medical decisions are made between individuals and their providers and private information remains confidential, just like everyone else.”
Walpin added, “This bill is an important milestone in the fight for equality catalyzed by activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera at Stonewall … whose courage and joy continue to motivate and inspire everyone at TRC-NJ.”
Speight, according to a statement from NJ Assembly Democrats, said that “health care decisions belong to patients and their providers,” adding that “by establishing safeguards for those involved in the provision of reproductive health care services, this reinforces New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring access to essential care and preventing barriers that can disrupt the delivery of legally protected health services.” She said that “every individual should be able to engage in the delivery of reproductive health care without fear, delay, or intimidation.”
Park said in the same statement that “individuals should be able to access necessary services without fear of legal repercussions for themselves or their providers, fears that could lead to gaps in care” and that “this bill helps ensure that health care remains focused on patients and not political whims.”
Quijano said, “No one’s health should be up for public debate. It is between you and your doctor, and it should stay that way,” adding that “New Jersey is considered a safe haven state for reproductive health care, and this legislation will provide even further protection.”
“As other states move to restrict access to reproductive health care, New Jersey needs to assure our residents that they are safe to make their own health care decisions.”
Peterpaul said, “As other states move to restrict access to reproductive health care, New Jersey needs to assure our residents that they are safe to make their own health care decisions.” She added: “We have fought too hard for the right for health care freedom. This bill will ensure that New Jersey offers protections that every patient and healthcare professional deserves.”
The bill now awaits Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s consideration.
