As part of an ongoing effort to expand access to reproductive health care in New Jersey, the state launched an online portal designed to provide residents with information about their legally protected rights and to connect them with providers of medical, surgical, counseling or referral services relating to pregnancy, contraception or abortion.

Established by legislation signed into law Oct. 24 by Gov. Phil Murphy (Senate Bill 3275/Assembly Bill 4829), the website also includes details on reproductive health care insurance requirements, locations of health care services, and how to file a complaint for harassment or intimidation while attempting to obtain an abortion.

In a statement, the Democratic governor said, “While access to reproductive health care is being limited and even eliminated in states throughout our country, New Jersey not only continues to protect this crucial freedom but is also expanding access to reproductive health care.”

“New Jersey’s Reproductive Health Information Hub will serve as a one-stop shop for anyone seeking information on reproductive health care in our State – from access to the health care services they need to the rights we are working diligently to protect. Paired with our other efforts to improve health care facilities, increase reimbursement rates for providers, and grow the reproductive health care workforce, New Jersey has been and will remain a safe haven for anyone seeking this care,” Murphy said.

Murphy was joined by several Democratic lawmakers during the bill signing event in Glen Rock – the only municipality in the state with an all-female governing body – including the legislation’s sponsors, state Sen. Nellie Pou and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, both representatives of the 35th District; abortion rights activists; American Civil Liberties Union members and Planned Parenthood representatives.

Pou commented, “When it comes to reproductive rights, services such as reproductive health care counseling, accessibility to care, and other supports are not negotiable. They remain a critical part of our health care infrastructure in New Jersey.”

The legislator went on to say the newly enacted law “will reinforce that commitment to reproductive health by establishing a statewide information hub and website that will become a reliable and vital source for families and individuals who have questions about their health care options.”

“It’s important that we do everything in our power to uplift the health and well-being of New Jersey residents, especially in the reproductive health care space,” said Sumter. “By putting critical information about the reproductive health care services and counseling in one place, we are providing a valuable resource for families in our state.”

Expanding access

In addition to the launch of the website, Murphy highlighted other actions by the administration to bolster reproductive health care in New Jersey, including allocating $5 million to recruit and train more reproductive health care professionals and another $5 million for security upgrades at family planning clinics. Applications for the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program will be accepted until Oct. 31. 

The governor has also approved nearly $1 million in grants and forgivable loans to Planned Parenthood and LivWell Healthcare to support improvements to their facilities around New Jersey.

Murphy additionally noted the Oct. 1 full implementation of a Medicaid rate increase that will more fairly reimburse reproductive health care providers for their services and encourage the ongoing care of individuals regardless of income status or ability to pay.

“At a time when reproductive health care is under threat around the country, New Jersey continues to lead the way to expand access to reproductive health care, and protect women’s rights,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

“Reproductive health care is an essential part of a person’s health and well-being. That is why the Department of Human Services is proud to have increased Medicaid rates for family planning services by $10 million to ensure that women and families with low and moderate incomes have equal access to critical health care services. And this new reproductive health hub announced today will serve as another important resource for New Jersey families seeking information on reproductive rights, health coverage options and reproductive health care services available in the state,” Adelman stated.

Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and remove federal reproductive health protections that had been in place for generations, New Jersey took several preemptive steps to ensure reproductive care access in the state.

In addition to abortion rights, New Jersey’s January 2022 Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act codified the right to access contraception, the right to terminate a pregnancy and the right to carry a pregnancy to term.

New Jersey is also now requiring companies regulated by the state’s Department of Banking and Insurance to provide comprehensive abortion coverage as a part of all health benefit plans and make birth control available over the counter.