Repro Roundup: New Jersey introduced bill to expand access to abortion, birth control

Welcome to my column, The Repro Roundup, where I summarize abortion news happening around the country, why it matters, and what you can do about it — in 250 words or less.

What’s the issue? On October 2nd, New Jersey lawmakers introduced a bill that would expand reproductive freedom in the state. The bill, called the Reproductive Freedom Act, is a proactive piece of legislation that would protect and expand access to abortion care and birth control should the federal right to abortion be overturned. It does this in three ways:

• Affirms that every New Jerseyan can make the best decisions about their own reproductive care, which includes decisions about birth control, pregnancy, abortion, and parenting.
• Makes certain that no financial barrier will come between a New Jerseyan and their right to make any decision about their reproductive healthcare. The bill ensures private insurance covers the cost of birth control and abortion care with no out-of-pocket costs.
• Expands access to abortion and birth control by ending any medically unnecessary restrictions that block access to care.

Why does this matter? Accessing abortion becomes more difficult when more barriers are put in place by lawmakers. No one is more affected by legal restrictions than low-income folks and people of color. By expanding financial access and by undoing medically unnecessary restrictions, those who need abortion and birth control care the most in the state will be able to access it. That said, the need for abortion funds, practical support, and other grassroots advocacy orgs will always be needed until abortion is made free, safe, and legal across the country.

How can I take action?

• Donate to the New Jersey Abortion Access Fund
• Volunteer with NJAAF
• Read more about the bill
• Learn more about abortion laws in New Jersey

• Subscribe to The Repro Queen of DC, my monthly newsletter on abortion access, activism, and writing on the frontlines of DC.
• Subscribe to Repro 101, a seven-week educational email series about all things repro. Topics include the basics of funding abortion, clinic escorting, anti-choice violence, and more.