Trenton has struck a serious blow to Constitutional Rights
Today, the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee advanced three abortion bills in our state legislature. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the passionate advocates across New Jersey who responded to our Action Alert this past Tuesday, contacting committee members to voice their opposition.
I attended the hearing to testify against each bill alongside other pro-life coalition partners. The opposing side was notably absent, which I believe reflects poorly on their defenseless policy position. Not a single person or organization testified in support of these ill-intentioned bills. On a positive note, we couldn’t have been prouder of one of our legislative champions, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R), for her well-prepared and heartfelt comments objecting to each bill.
Each of the following three bills passed on partisan lines:
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sparta) – NO
Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Fairfield) – NO
Commitee Chair, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson) – YES
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Perth Amboy) – YES
Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Hoboken) – YES
Assemblywoman Barbara Stamato (D-Jersey City) – YES
Here is a summary and what to expect next:
Assembly Bill 861 is designed to restrict non-profit pregnancy resource centers from providing free services to women in need. It expands the Attorney General’s authority to take legal action against these centers for offering ‘pregnancy-related care’ without performing or referring for abortion. This bill has already been reviewed by the Legislature’s own nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services who determined the bill to be unconstitutional.
The bill will now proceed to a full Assembly vote. Meanwhile, the companion Senate bill has been assigned to the Senate Commerce Committee, which is set to meet on Monday, March 24, though this specific bill has not yet been scheduled for discussion.
Assembly bill 3418 enters NJ into an Abortion State Compact with other states that are not publicly identified. Women will be unable to bring lawsuits for damages, injuries, and harm suffered by abortionists, adult men who bring young girls across state lines to NJ to have an abortion without the minor’s parents being aware can not be investigated.
The bill is now set to be voted on by the full Assembly. As there is currently no identical companion bill in the State Senate, it will need to pass in both chambers before reaching the Governor for approval and becoming law.
Assembly Bill 4915 establishes a Travel Advisory, cautioning pregnant women against traveling to other statesunder the false claim that they could be arrested for having an abortion in those states or denied lifesaving medical care during emergencies. As you probably know, these assertions are deceitful and create unnecessary risks and confusion for women who may need medical care while out of state.
The Senate bill was already passed on October 28, 2024. Once the full Assembly votes, the bill will proceed to Governor Murphy’s desk for consideration.
Let me say, we are not without hope! A new attorney general in 2026 can offset the attack against pregnancy resource centers. That is why this upcoming gubernatorial election is crucial.
Find out what is at stake and how you can make a difference at our upcoming events posted below. Click below!
Thriving Families Initiative
Thought of the week
“‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:31-32
Marriage is a natural institution written into the very fabric of humanity. Christian marriage consists of the mutual total self-giving love of a man and woman for life which can be manifested through their physical union and capable of creating life. Marriage is therefore a reflection of the communion of love that is our Trinitarian God, and the love God has for humanity. Seek ways to serve your spouse and family this week.
