Bill > A2218

This bill establishes protections for individuals seeking or providing reproductive health care services in New Jersey, defining "reproductive health care activity" broadly to include all lawful conduct related to such services, and "reproductive health care services" to encompass a wide range of medical, mental health, and supportive care related to the reproductive system, including pregnancy, contraception, miscarriage management, abortion, and gender-affirming care. It prohibits professional licensing boards from penalizing licensed individuals solely for engaging in this protected activity, and prevents insurers from increasing premiums or taking adverse actions against medical malpractice insurance policyholders based on providing reproductive health care to out-of-state residents whose services are illegal elsewhere. The bill also creates criminal penalties for interfering with reproductive health care services, defining interference as acts like inflicting bodily injury, physically obstructing access, intimidating individuals, or damaging property, with escalating penalties for more severe harm. Furthermore, it allows for civil lawsuits to seek damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees for those harmed by interference, and authorizes the Attorney General or prosecutors to seek civil penalties against those who violate these provisions. Crucially, the bill prohibits New Jersey authorities from cooperating with out-of-state investigations or extraditing individuals charged with reproductive health care activities that are legal in New Jersey, and declares that laws authorizing prosecution or legal action to deter or punish such activities are against the public policy of the state.