The Thrive New Jersey coalition, comprising reproductive health care providers, legal experts, faith leaders, and human and civil rights advocates, has expressed support for the introduction of the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity bill package. The coalition commended Senate Majority Leader Ruiz for her leadership on reproductive health and bodily autonomy.
The Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package aims to protect patients and providers, support bodily autonomy, and modernize various aspects of reproductive health care access in New Jersey. This initiative comes on the second anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Since then, 21 states have either eliminated or severely restricted access to abortion.
The bill package includes provisions to protect patients and providers of reproductive health and gender-affirming care; provide insurance coverage for abortion; remove medically unnecessary restrictions on reproductive health providers; ensure protection of sensitive reproductive health data; invest in reproductive health care infrastructure; make such care more accessible on college campuses; improve Medicaid coverage processes for emergency contraception; offer student loan redemption for reproductive health professionals; and allow donations through tax returns to support reproductive health care.
Kaitlyn Wojtowicz from Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey stated: “This bill package will make critical updates and protections to ensure that all people who seek reproductive health care in New Jersey are able to do so safely and with dignity.”
Brittany Holom-Trundy from New Jersey Policy Perspective noted: “Removing financial barriers will make sure that anyone in New Jersey can afford the care they need.”
Jesse Burns from the League of Women Voters of New Jersey highlighted disparities affecting marginalized communities: “Disparities are particularly stark for people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks... This package moves New Jersey closer to breaking down those barriers.”
Phoebe Pollinger from the National Council of Jewish Women praised the state’s efforts: "New Jersey has taken another strong step forward in breaking down barriers to accessing reproductive health care."
Lauren Albrecht from Garden State Equality added: "We applaud Senator Ruiz for this thoughtful plan to continue building health equity."
Julie Blumenfeld from the American College of Nurse Midwives emphasized individual needs: “Everyone has the right to make reproductive health choices that meet their individual needs.”
Carol Loscalzo & Jami Thall from Unitarian Universalist Faith Action NJ affirmed their support: "Breaking down all barriers to care must be accomplished for everyone in our State."
Alejandra Sorto from ACLU-NJ stressed affordability: "The introduction of S3452/A4601 is especially critical as it will remove out-of-pocket costs for abortion care coverage."
Kay Escobar from The Abortion Justice Committee underscored accessibility issues among undocumented populations: "69% of Latinx's undocumented population does not know abortion is legal."
Roxanne Sutocky from Cherry Hill Women’s Center commented on evolving roles post-Dobbs decision: “Our role has evolved as we help our communities navigate a radically shifting legal landscape.”
