Legislation will increase access to personalized care plans, addressing disparities and reducing preventable complications

(TRENTON) — Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S912/A3887 into law today. The legislation, which passed the New Jersey Assembly in September, ensures all pregnant women in New Jersey have access to personalized postpartum care plans.

Assemblywomen Lisa Swain (D-Bergen) and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), the bill’s sponsors, offered the following statements:

“Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of profound change, and it can be difficult for women, particularly first-time mothers, to know if what they are experiencing is normal or a sign of a serious health issue,” said Assemblywoman Lisa Swain. “As many as 40 percent of women never seek out or receive postpartum care. By proactively providing new parents with the resources needed to identify their postpartum needs, this legislation helps reduce the likelihood of postpartum complications early on, rather than allowing those symptoms to manifest.”

“While New Jersey has taken significant steps toward improving maternity care in our state, disparities still remain, particularly in minority communities. We crafted this bill to help close that gap,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “This legislation will go a long way toward ensuring that every new mother receives necessary care after childbirth, with a postpartum plan that fits their particular needs. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting families throughout the entire pregnancy journey, making sure they never feel alone.”