With over 20 states prepared to restrict access to reproductive care in the event Roe v. Wade is overturned, a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Mila Jasey and Raj Mukherji would protect the right of reproductive choice and access to reproductive care in New Jersey. The bill passed the full Assembly and Senate Monday, 46-22-8 and 23-15.

The purpose of the legislation (A-6260/S-49) is to explicitly state in the law that every person in New Jersey has a fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception, sterilization and pregnancy termination, as well as to ensure access to reproductive health services in the state.

Prior to the final vote, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight of Jersey City’s 31st District made the following plea supporting a woman’s right to choose:

“Everyone has the right to reproductive choice, yet there have been far too many attempts throughout our country to control the decisions a person can make in that regard. Legal challenges to the reproductive rights of Americans, which have steadily increased in recent years, threaten to limit access to family planning services.

“This legislation is critical to protecting residents of our state from infringements on their reproductive rights, regardless of what happens at the federal level. We firmly believe everyone deserves the ability to make their own personal health choices when it comes to birth control, abortion and pregnancy-related care.

“This act will promote the health and well-being of the people in our state while showing the country that New Jersey stands for compassion, dignity and freedom.”

The bill now heads to the Governor.