New Jersey Citizen Action and BlueWaveNJ release the following joint statement regarding reproductive health care access in New Jersey.

NJCA Associate Director Dena Mottola Jaborska and BlueWaveNJ President Marcia Marley:

“Reproductive health care access has never been under graver threat in this country. GOP-controlled state legislatures are implementing some of the harshest restrictions since Roe v. Wade was handed down, and the now-conservative majority Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case directly challenging the landmark ruling. To protect women’s rights to autonomy and health in New Jersey we need more legislators like Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, prime sponsor of the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA). Lawmakers must follow her lead to guarantee access to the full range of reproductive health care for all residents and swiftly pass the RFA.

In addition to removing medically unnecessary regulations and financial barriers to accessing care, the RFA declares that all New Jerseyans have a fundamental right to access reproductive health care, such as birth control and pregnancy-related care including abortion, and to make their own health care decisions without interference by politicians.

New Jerseyans clearly understand the importance and urgency of the moment – in a recent poll 72% NJ voters support passage of the RFA. Over a dozen other progressive states have already stepped up to expand access and protect the right to abortion. With pro-choice Democrats in full control of state government the bill should face little opposition, but legislative leaders have continued to delay posting the bill.

Thankfully, champions for reproductive care are still present in the Legislature. Assemblywoman Huttle has been an unwavering advocate for the RFA’s passage, a leader for women’s rights and a progressive champion throughout her tenure in the Assembly. For meaningful progress like the RFA we need more voices like hers in Trenton. A vote for Valerie and her team is a vote for strong and courageous women that will stand for us.”