TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed two bills into law that protect abortion rights in the Garden State as well as expand access to birth control.
While some states have passed restrictive laws limiting access to abortions, Murphy said the first bill will ensure that no matter what happens at the federal level, a woman's right to choose is protected in New Jersey.
"Regardless of whether or not the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, New Jersey's position in supporting the right to reproductive autonomy will remain clear and unchanged," he said.
"These two pieces of legislation will serve to protect access to time sensitive care and prioritize the health and well-being of people who need reproductive health care."
Several organizations applauded the governor's action, including Planned Parenthood.
"There has never been a more urgent moment for our movement. And right now, we need leaders to step up and unapologetically defend reproductive freedom. This bill is the answer to that call," said CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, who said it's incredibly important that other states do the same.
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"We will ensure that abortion is not only a right but that it is accessible for everyone and continue to fight regardless of people’s immigration status, insurance coverage, or income."
Not everyone is applauding this, however, as some pro-life advocates, such as the group New Jersey Right to Life, say the bill is reprehensible because it allows for abortions all the way up until birth.
Several conservative lawmakers and some pro-life groups, such as New Jersey Right to Life, labeled the bill as extreme. They said there's no lack of access in the state, with about one in three pregnancies already ending in abortion in New Jersey.
They also said the bill is reprehensible because it allows abortion all the way up until birth for any reason, and opens the door for taxpayer-funded abortions.