This bill aims to enhance protections for patients and providers involved in reproductive health and gender-affirming care services 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 legislation amends existing laws to ensure that health care providers are not penalized for offering legal services in New Jersey, even if those services are illegal elsewhere, and prohibits the use of state resources to support investigations or legal actions from other states that threaten these rights.

Additionally, the bill introduces the crime of interference with access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services, detailing actions that constitute such interference and establishing penalties that range from disorderly persons offenses to second-degree crimes. It allows for civil actions against offenders, enabling victims to seek damages, and empowers law enforcement to disperse gatherings that obstruct access to health care facilities. The bill also clarifies rights related to assisted reproductive technology, asserts that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under state law, and repeals outdated statutes that may conflict with its objectives, thereby reinforcing New Jersey's commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights.

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