NEW JERSEY — Khadijah M. Silver (they/them), civil rights attorney and Director of Gender Justice & Health Equity at Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), issued the following statement after Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed S2260/A2218 into law, strengthening protections for reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare patients and providers in New Jersey:
“Today, New Jersey made clear that patients and providers should not have to fear punishment from politicians hundreds of miles away for healthcare that is legal in the state. With other states continuing to reach across borders to encroach upon lawful care, this law draws a line in defense of New Jersey’s sovereignty and the rights of its residents.
“This is how a shield law should work, giving patients and providers the confidence that they can seek and provide medically necessary healthcare without being subjected to hostile investigations, prosecutions, or harassment. These protections are nothing less than essential legal infrastructure.
“New Jersey has shown what is possible when lawmakers, healthcare providers, reproductive rights advocates, transgender advocates and legal organizations are committed to the shared goal of ensuring bodily autonomy and access to care.
“We are grateful to Governor Sherrill, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, all of the bill’s sponsors, and our many coalition partners. Today is a major victory for everyone who believes healthcare decisions should be made by individuals, families, and their doctors.”
Attorneys from Lawyers for Good Government’s Gender Justice and Health Equity Team are available to discuss the law, its legal implications, and what NJ’s action could mean for other states confronting these same concerns. To schedule an interview, please contact Kayla Ritchie at kayla@unbendablemedia.com.
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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of 125,000 lawyers, law students, and advocates in the fight for justice. We identify where lawyers can make the greatest impact and mobilize them to defend democracy and the rule of law, protect civil and human rights, and advance environmental justice through coordinated legal action and advocacy efforts that create meaningful change for all Americans. lawyersforgoodgovernment.org