New Jersey Passes Bill Protecting Reproductive and Transgender Healthcare

On June 11, 2026, the New Jersey Assembly approved bill A2218 55-23 and the Senate 25-15, creating a fourth-degree crime for interfering with reproductive or gender-affirming care. Penalties reach ten years imprisonment and $150,000 fines, and the law blocks extradition of providers to states that criminalize such services.

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The bill responds to recent federal actions that limited abortion funding and threatened gender-affirming treatment for minors, including the Trump administration’s policy shifts and the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning national abortion protections. State legislators framed the measure as a safeguard against similar restrictions.

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Democratic Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (Essex) authored the bill; Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul (Monmouth) co-sponsored. Advocacy groups Garden State Equality and Planned Parenthood’s New Jersey arm, represented by Lauren Albrecht and Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, publicly supported the measure. The Senate passed the bill in late May, the Assembly approved it on June 11, and it now awaits Governor Mikie Sherrill’s signature.

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Proponents say the law will preserve evidence-based reproductive and gender-affirming care, protect providers from out-of-state prosecutions, and reinforce New Jersey’s reputation as a safe haven for patients seeking such services.

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Speight emphasized that healthcare decisions rest with patients and providers. Peterpaul described the measure as a human-rights issue and essential for women’s reproductive autonomy. Albrecht highlighted the protection of evidence-based care, while Wojtowicz called the day “truly momentous” for New Jersey.

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Republican legislators warned the bill could infringe free speech, citing earlier drafts that targeted “sidewalk counseling” of patients. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf said it “turns the Constitution on its head.” Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia supported adult transgender care but argued the legislation fails to differentiate between adults and minors, raising concerns about potential regret among youth.

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Early versions of the bill included a provision criminalizing “sidewalk counseling,” which was removed after criticism. Sources disagree on whether the final text fully protects journalists, and no statistics are provided on the number of providers currently at risk of out-of-state legal action.

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• “Healthcare decisions belong to patients and their providers,” — Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Essex)

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• “Adults can make adult decisions.” — Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex)

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• “This is a truly momentous day in New Jersey,” — Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Planned Parenthood New Jersey

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• “This bill isn’t about trans individuals. This bill is about human rights,” — Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul (D-Monmouth)

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Governor Mikie Sherrill must sign or veto the measure. If signed, state agencies will issue enforcement guidelines, and potential legal challenges may arise from opponents citing constitutional concerns.

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