TRENTON, N.J. — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature seeks to create a “Reproductive Health Travel Advisory” to inform residents about the varying levels of access to reproductive healthcare services across the United States. The advisory, which will be established by the Department of State, aims to help pregnant individuals make informed decisions about traveling to states with different laws on reproductive health.
The advisory will categorize states into a three-tiered system based on the availability of reproductive healthcare services, including abortion access, gestational duration bans, medication restrictions, and potential civil or criminal liabilities for patients and healthcare providers:
- Blue: Exercise normal caution – Full access to reproductive healthcare services without fear of prosecution.
- Yellow: Exercise increased caution – Restricted access that could result in civil or criminal penalties.
- Red: Reconsider travel – Extremely limited access, with possible legal repercussions and a heightened risk of adverse medical outcomes due to state laws.
The bill highlights concerns about the risks pregnant individuals may face if medical emergencies require pregnancy termination in states with strict reproductive health laws. The Department of State will publish the travel advisory on its website and update it as state laws change.
This legislation underscores New Jersey’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights while helping residents navigate the legal landscape in other states.
