Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Katz, Murphy, and Simmons would protect access for thousands of New Jersey families who depend on IVF
(TRENTON) – The February decision by the Alabama Supreme Court to effectively stop all in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments showed how quickly rights for women can be stripped away. In New Jersey, thousands of children are born each year using assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C., Assemblywomen Andrea Katz, Carol Murphy, and Heather Simmons have introduced Bill A4191, which would amend a 2021 New Jersey law that provides reproductive freedom to expressly protect access to assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
“I was horrified when I saw the Alabama Supreme Court decision last month and knew that we needed to act to protect New Jersey couples and individuals who rely of IVF as part of their family planning journey,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Burlington, Atlantic). “These individuals, many of whom have struggled for years with infertility, deserve peace of mind knowing that it is here to stay.”
Assemblywoman Katz noted that a poll last month showed that an astounding 86% of Americans support IVF.
“Women have been victim to unprecedented attacks on their right to make their own healthcare decisions. I have fought for reproductive healthcare and the right for a woman to make their own decisions,” said Assemblywoman Murphy (D-Burlington). “This is why I support legislation to continue protecting women’s healthcare by protecting IVF, so that more women can receive the care they need and start a family on their terms. We must continue this fight otherwise our fundamental rights will continue to be stripped away.”
“At a time when personal freedoms are under attack, I’m proud to introduce legislation that will protect women’s rights,” said Assemblywoman Simmons (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “IVF access is under threat from some courts and politicians and New Jersey must take action immediately.”