Bill

Bill > S4756


NJ S4756

NJ S4756
Establishes "New Jersey Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act."


summary

Introduced
10/27/2025
In Committee
10/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.'' Under the bill, if an abortion or attempted abortion results in a child born alive, any health care professional present at the time the child is born alive is to exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care professional would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and ensure that the child is immediately transported and admitted to a hospital for treatment. A person who violates the above provisions is to be guilty of a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, "born alive," with respect to a member of the species homo sapiens, means the complete expulsion or extraction from his or her mother of that member, at any stage of development, who after such expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut, and regardless of whether the expulsion or extraction occurs as a result of natural or induced labor, cesarean section, or induced abortion. The bill provides that a person who intentionally performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion is to be guilty of violating N.J.S.2C:11-3. A violation of N.J.S.2C:11-3 is punishable by 30 years to life imprisonment. Under the bill, a health care professional and any employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with the requirements of this bill's provisions is to immediately report the failure to an appropriate State or federal law enforcement agency or both or be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill provides that the mother of a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion is not to be guilty of conspiracy to commit a crime under the bill's provisions. Further, the mother of the child born alive may bring a civil action for damages against any violator of the provisions of this bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," which mandates that if an abortion or attempted abortion results in a live birth, healthcare professionals must provide the same level of medical care to the infant as they would to any other newborn of the same gestational age. The bill defines "born alive" as a completely expelled or extracted member of the human species that shows signs of life such as breathing, a beating heart, umbilical cord pulsation, or muscle movement. Healthcare professionals who fail to provide appropriate care or who intentionally harm a live-born infant can be charged with a third-degree crime (punishable by 3-5 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine) or, in cases of intentional killing, can be charged under existing homicide laws with potential sentences of 30 years to life. The bill also requires healthcare professionals and employees to report any failures to comply with these provisions, with potential fourth-degree criminal charges for non-reporting. Importantly, the mother of the infant is explicitly not considered complicit in any potential criminal violation and is granted the right to bring a civil lawsuit against any violators, potentially recovering actual and punitive damages. The law aims to ensure legal protections for infants born alive during abortion procedures, treating them as legal persons with the same rights as any other newborn.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 10/27/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...