A New Jersey Assembly committee on Monday advanced a Democratic-backed bill that would criminalize individuals who interfere with access to transgender and reproductive health care.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved the measure along party lines, clearing the way for a potential full vote in the Legislature later this week before reaching Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill for her signature.
If enacted, the measure would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to explicitly criminalize such interference.
First introduced in the summer of 2024, the legislation would establish a new criminal offense for “interference with reproductive health services,” including abortion procedures.
The New Jersey Monitor indicated that the measure would also protect access to transgender healthcare for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and related mental health
