Trenton, NJ – People used to come to New Jersey for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, food and dining, and other great destinations.
Now, a new form of tourism is growing in New Jersey, abortion tourism. People coming to New Jersey from out of state to get a late-term abortion. New Jersey has no limits on abortions and under a 2022 law signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the state has become an abortion sanctuary state.
New Jersey’s official website highlights the state’s strong commitment to reproductive rights, emphasizing access to abortion and contraception for residents and visitors alike.
This initiative aims to ensure that everyone in the state, including those from areas with restrictive laws, can exercise their reproductive choices freely and safely.
It is estimated that several thousand out-of-state women visit New Jersey each year to get abortions and that number has been increasing annually since the 2022 law was signed. In 2023, New Jersey ranked 6th in abortion volume nationwide.
The state’s constitution guarantees fundamental reproductive rights, including the right to choose or refuse contraception and sterilization, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to terminate a pregnancy. The Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, signed into law in January 2022, reinforces these protections and prohibits any governmental authority from infringing on these rights.
New Jersey’s robust support for reproductive freedom extends to individuals from other states. The law protects those traveling to New Jersey for abortion services from being extradited if these services are illegal in their home state. Furthermore, individuals under the age of 18 can access abortion services without parental consent.
“The right to an abortion is guaranteed to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey. New Jersey protected abortion care and access includes: People who live in another state. Care is not restricted to New Jersey residents,” the state DOH website says. “If you are receiving abortion services in New Jersey and are traveling from a state where these services are illegal, New Jersey law protects you from being extradited in connection with receiving services permitted in New Jersey. People who are under the age of 18 years old, without parental consent or permission. Anyone who is pregnant can consent to their health care. Patients in New Jersey have options for both medication and procedure-based abortion care. Talk to your provider about the care best for you. Patients in New Jersey can get prescriptions for medication abortion through online telehealth appointments, and pills may be mailed to you. You may terminate a pregnancy on your own in New Jersey.”
The state provides comprehensive abortion care, including both medication and procedure-based options. Telehealth appointments and mail-order medication abortions are available, offering convenience and privacy for patients. The state’s commitment ensures that pregnant individuals retain all other patient rights while receiving abortion care.
“These laws will make New Jersey a beacon of freedom for every American woman,” Murphy said when legalizing the New Jersey abortion tourism business.
New Jersey also champions the right to contraception, offering various birth control methods and safeguarding access for residents and visitors. The state promotes a range of contraceptive options, from long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) to emergency contraception, ensuring individuals can make informed choices based on their health needs and personal preferences.
