This bill amends current New Jersey law to explicitly include the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART) as part of the fundamental reproductive rights of individuals in the state. Specifically, it expands the existing rights to choose or refuse contraception, sterilization, and decisions regarding pregnancy to encompass the choice to utilize ART, which includes procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill asserts that any law or regulation that limits these rights will be deemed invalid, reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting reproductive choices.

The legislation is a direct response to a recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court in the case of LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C., which raised concerns about the legal status of embryos and its implications for IVF practices. By enacting this bill, New Jersey aims to safeguard the reproductive freedoms of its citizens and ensure that individuals have the right to make informed choices about family planning and reproductive health without state interference.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:7-2