New Jersey Legislature Advances Bill Criminalizing Interference with Abortion and Transgender Healthcare
A New Jersey Assembly committee has advanced a bill that would criminalize interference with access to reproductive and transgender healthcare. The measure, if enacted, would make New Jersey the first state to explicitly criminalize such interference. The bill, introduced in 2024, aims to protect access to abortion and transgender healthcare services, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. It also includes provisions to prevent the extradition of healthcare providers to states where such services are criminalized. The bill has faced criticism from opponents who argue it infringes on free speech and parental rights. However, supporters, including bill sponsor Sen. Teresa Ruiz, argue it is necessary to protect healthcare access and privacy. 
