summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides every woman in this State the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Under current law, the State provides the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, or to choose whether to carry a pregnancy, to give birth, or to terminate a pregnancy. Under the bill, the fundamental rights related to reproductive health choice in the State are expanded to include the use of ART. ART includes, but is not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This legislation is in response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), decided in February 2024. In LePage, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the state's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. New Jersey has long been a State that supports, and provides protections for, the reproductive freedom of its citizens, including the right to make the choice of whether to start or expand a family through IVF.
AI Summary
This bill expands the fundamental right to reproductive choice in New Jersey to explicitly include the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), which encompasses procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Currently, New Jersey law already protects an individual's right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, and to make decisions about carrying a pregnancy, giving birth, or terminating a pregnancy. This legislation clarifies that the right to make decisions about starting or expanding a family through ART is also a fundamental right that cannot be abridged by any governmental authority. This change is a direct response to a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified embryos as "extrauterine children," which could have significant implications for IVF access in that state, and aims to ensure similar protections for New Jersey residents.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1171 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1171_I1.HTM |
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