Bill > A3418

This bill enters New Jersey into the Women's Reproductive Health Care Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to protect and support reproductive healthcare access. The compact allows states to join by enacting its provisions and defines reproductive health care services as medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services related to the human reproductive system. In response to recent restrictions on abortion rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the compact requires member states to work together to prevent extradition or investigation of individuals involved in providing or receiving reproductive healthcare services, protect patient privacy by preventing disclosure of medical records, shield healthcare providers from negative professional consequences, and prohibit the collection of individually identifiable data about patients seeking reproductive healthcare. The compact includes provisions that allow any member state to withdraw with six months' notice, mandates that state attorneys general enforce the agreement, and provides standing for taxpaying residents to ensure enforcement. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the compact is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still stand. Once the Governor of New Jersey executes the compact and at least one other state joins, it will become operational, with the goal of creating a supportive network for reproductive healthcare across participating states.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3418