A 201 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

"Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act"; bans abortion 20 weeks or more after fertilization.

This bill bans most abortions after 20 weeks following fertilization (conception), requiring physicians to determine the unborn child's post-fertilization age before performing an abortion. It directly affects women seeking abortions after 20 weeks and physicians who perform such procedures. Key exceptions allow abortions for: (1) life-threatening medical conditions of the pregnant person; (2) rape (if reported to authorities and 48-hour counseling is obtained); or (3) incest involving minors (if reported). If an abortion occurs under an exception and the child survives, the bill requires a neonatal care specialist to be present to provide life-saving care.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
lower
2 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors