This bill aims to enhance protections for patients and providers involved in reproductive health and gender-affirming care in New Jersey, particularly in response to restrictive legal changes in other states. It establishes the right for residents and visitors to access these services safely and defines key terms such as "legally protected health care activity" and "gender-affirming health care services." The bill amends existing laws to ensure that health care providers are not penalized for offering services that are legal in New Jersey, even if they are illegal elsewhere, and prohibits the use of state resources to assist in investigations or legal actions from other states regarding these services.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant legal provisions against interference with reproductive and gender-affirming health care services, categorizing such interference as a crime and allowing for civil actions against offenders. It empowers law enforcement to disperse gatherings that obstruct access to health care facilities and clarifies that individuals cannot be extradited for actions related to these services that are lawful in New Jersey. The legislation also repeals outdated statutes related to abortion, such as those banning partial-birth abortions and requiring parental notification for minors, thereby reinforcing reproductive rights and aligning state law with current legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:1-22, 2A:160-14.1, 2A:84A-22.18, 2A:84A-22.19, 10:7-2, 26:6B-10