Earlier today, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners voted in favor of a rule change to enhance access to reproductive care by repealing outdated restrictions. In response to this announcement, Thrive NJ releases the following statement. 

Jasmine Winters, Coordinator, Thrive NJ Coalition: 

“We applaud the Board of Medical Examiners for taking action on outdated and harmful regulations to help ensure that everyone who needs abortion care is able to access it with dignity and respect.

“These regulations treat abortion care differently from other medical procedures and restrict care by limiting who could provide abortion care and in what medical settings. They do nothing to protect patients. In fact, they hurt patients by creating barriers that are not medically indicated and ultimately interfere with time-sensitive care.

“By removing medically unnecessaary regulations, the BME lifts a significant barrier for patients seeking to end a pregnancy and providers wishing to provide abortion care. All New Jerseyans deserve seamless access to the care they need — especially if there is another surge of COVID cases as we head into the flu season.

“As politicians in other states race to push reproductive care out of reach, it is more important than ever to safeguard comprehensive health care. Even in the midst of a public health crisis, the Trump-Pence administration continues to attack access to reproductive health care. Today’s announcement sends a clear message: New Jersey is a state where everyone can receive the care they need and plan their families without barriers, fears, or interference from others. Because when people can make personal health decisions that are best for their lives, families and communities thrive.”

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Thrive NJ is a statewide coalition of more than 60 organizations working collectively to promote sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice through policy change and advocacy.