Recognizing that health care decisions are best left between patients and their doctors, the Assembly Health Committee today advanced legislation that would strengthen protections for both patients seeking reproductive health care services in New Jersey and their providers.
Bill A2218 would ensure that patients have the freedom to make medical decisions with their reproductive health care providers, without interference from other individuals or entities. Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Ellen Park, Annette Quijano, and Luanne Peterpaul sponsored the legislation.
“In recent years, there have been growing and real concerns that patients and health care providers engaging in legally protected reproductive health care activities are increasingly vulnerable to harassment, intimidation, civil liability, criminal penalties, and invasions of privacy,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “Fear of adverse actions against hospitals, physicians, nurses, and patients can create barriers to care and lead to disruptions in the delivery of essential health services. Establishing safeguards for all parties involved in the provision and receipt of reproductive health care services reinforces New Jersey’s role as a state where access to reproductive health care is protected under State law.”
Bill A2218 would create the new crime of “interference with reproductive health care services,” ensuring that patients can safely access the health care they need without apprehension or fears over obstruction, intimidation, coercion, or bodily harm. The bill would allow victims, or the Office of the Attorney General, to bring a civil action against the people or groups who unlawfully interfere with their reproductive health care services.
“The relationship between a patient and provider is sacrosanct, and when they meet, the focus should be on the patient’s needs, not on political whims,” said Assemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “When the medical community, experts and data say an individual would benefit from receiving certain care or treatment, patients should be able to do so without concern over legal ramifications for themselves or their provider.”
In addition, the legislation would safeguard health care professionals who provide reproductive health care services, including to out-of-state patients. The bill would also prohibit the disclosure of a person’s reproductive health care information and bar the imposition of penalties against holders of medical certificates, registrations, or licenses solely for engaging in legally protected reproductive health care activities.
“Private medical decisions and discussions should remain private,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “This legislation strengthens New Jersey’s commitment to protecting patient freedom and safeguarding the privacy rights of patients and providers alike. No one should have to fear that their confidential health information could be exposed, misused, or used against them for seeking or providing professional health care.”
“We all have a right to evidence-based medical care without fear of retaliation or discrimination – and this includes our New Jersey medical professionals who practice that care,” said Assemblywoman Peterpaul (D-Monmouth). “The advancement of this legislation is a victory for our State’s sovereignty in directing our healthcare, and reinforces our shield from another state’s overreach. When we protect the rights of our most vulnerable, we ultimately strengthen the rights for us all.”