Healthcare (Women's Health)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2662: Requires midwives and physicians to provide pregnant women information on birthing options prior to delivery.

This bill requires midwives and physicians who provide obstetric care to give pregnant patients written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options (including hospital births, home births, scheduled procedures, and associated health risks) before labor begins. The information must be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages spoken by limited-English-proficiency patients in New Jersey, based on census data. Providers must also offer annual language-appropriate education on these options during pregnancy. The law applies directly to pregnant patients receiving care from certified midwives or physicians in New Jersey, aiming to improve informed decision-making.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires providers to give evidence-based birthing options info, enhancing patient access and informed decision-making in obstetric care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2263: Requires four-year public institution of higher education to develop and implement reproductive health services plan; requires county college to develop referral network for reproductive health care services.

This bill requires New Jersey's four-year public universities to create and update annual plans ensuring student access to reproductive health services, including referrals for contraception (including emergency contraception), STI testing/treatment, prenatal care, and abortion. It mandates 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception via campus vending machines, retail, or health centers, plus evidence-based education. County colleges must develop referral networks to local providers for off-campus reproductive care. The law does not require institutions to directly provide services but sets specific access requirements, effective seven months after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates reproductive health services access at colleges, enhancing student well-being and educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates reproductive health services access including contraception, abortion, and referrals, expanding student healthcare access at public institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Women's Health

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signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 2260: Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other states.*

New Jersey's S 2260 strengthens legal protections for patients and providers accessing or delivering reproductive and gender-affirming health care services within the state. The bill explicitly defines "legally protected health care activities" to include seeking, providing, or assisting with these services (such as abortion, contraception, or gender-affirming care), regardless of a patient's location. It prohibits obstruction, intimidation, or physical barriers at facilities offering these services and grants licensing boards authority to impose civil penalties for violations. This directly affects patients traveling to New Jersey for care (not available in their home states) and healthcare providers operating in these fields. The law codifies existing protections to prevent harassment or violence against these services, following increased threats and protests nationwide after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, prohibits obstruction at facilities, and defines legally protected health services, strengthening patient rights and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 915: Establishes pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage of remote maternal health services for eligible beneficiaries.

This bill establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program in New Jersey to provide Medicaid-covered remote maternal health services for eligible pregnant beneficiaries. It allows access to tele-ultrasound, remote patient monitoring (like digital blood pressure checks), and remote non-stress tests via secure digital tools, with services offered only upon a healthcare provider's referral. Eligibility includes those with high-risk pregnancies (e.g., due to diabetes, age, or previous preterm births), residents in areas lacking obstetric providers, or individuals facing socioeconomic barriers like transportation issues. Participation is strictly voluntary and requires federal reimbursement approval before implementation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage for remote maternal health services, increasing access to tele-ultrasound and monitoring under public health program.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill requires 'secure digital tools' for remote health services, indicating support for data privacy and cybersecurity in healthcare technology implementation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Telehealth Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1991: Requires DOH to conduct survey on status of antenatal and prenatal care clinics in New Jersey.

New Jersey's S 1991 requires the Department of Health (DOH) to survey all antenatal and prenatal care clinics - including those that closed within the past two years - to evaluate maternity care access statewide. The survey collects data on clinic locations, service availability, patient demographics (especially low- and moderate-income pregnant women), and socioeconomic factors affecting care. DOH must analyze this data to identify disparities in care access, develop improvement strategies, and publish findings on its website within 18 months. The bill mandates a legislative report with recommendations but prohibits sharing personal health information. This data-gathering measure aims to inform future policy decisions on clinic services and funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates survey to evaluate prenatal care access, identify disparities, and develop improvement strategies for vulnerable populations, directly advancing healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2262: Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.

This bill (S 2262) requires health care providers and insurers to obtain a patient’s explicit written consent before sharing medical records related to reproductive health care services - including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - with anyone outside the care team, unless specific exceptions apply. Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving care or when sharing information about past services. Limited exceptions allow disclosure during medical emergencies, for legal compliance (like court orders), to protect against liability claims, or for investigations into abuse. Violations could trigger $1,000 penalties per incident, but the law explicitly preserves existing HIPAA protections.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires patient consent for reproductive health data disclosure, protecting privacy rights and patient autonomy in healthcare access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2998: Clarifies coverage requirements for health insurers of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs.

This New Jersey bill (S 2998) requires health insurers to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and related services without cost-sharing. It specifically mandates no deductibles, copays, or prior authorization for over-the-counter contraceptives at the point of sale, while also covering prescription options and related services like counseling and device insertion. The law applies to all hospital and medical service corporations offering health insurance in New Jersey, directly affecting subscribers who use contraception. Insurers must cover these services at the same level as other preventive care, with no medical necessity review needed for over-the-counter products.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no cost-sharing for FDA-approved contraceptives, expanding access to essential health services without financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2264: Provides for voluntary contributions for taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support reproductive health care services.

S 2264 establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" within the state Treasury. Taxpayers can voluntarily add a contribution to their New Jersey gross income tax return to support this fund, with net contributions (after administrative costs) deposited into it. The Legislature would annually allocate all funds in the account equally to the three largest Medicaid reproductive health care providers in the state, requiring them to use the money to provide services (including pregnancy-related care and pregnancy termination) to low-income individuals who cannot afford them. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" broadly to cover medical, surgical, counseling, and referral services related to the human reproductive system. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Health Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesVoluntary tax contributions fund reproductive health care services via state Treasury, directing tax revenue to public health programs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates fund to allocate tax contributions to reproductive health care providers, directly funding healthcare services per bill's purpose and allocation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Medicaid Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2259: Codifies authority for certain health care providers to provide abortions and clarifies certain operational requirements for abortion facilities.

S 2259 codifies existing regulations that allow a broader range of healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants trained since 2021) to perform abortions in New Jersey, while removing medically unnecessary facility requirements. The bill directly affects abortion providers and patients by eliminating outdated rules that increased costs and created barriers to care. Key provisions include updating statutory language to reflect current practices, removing facility requirements that don’t improve patient health, and ensuring consistent access to abortion services. This legislation secures existing access without expanding new provider types, focusing on streamlining current operational standards. The bill aims to make reproductive healthcare more affordable and accessible within New Jersey communities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands abortion access by allowing more providers and removing unnecessary facility barriers, directly improving patient access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Women's Health

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 712: Establishes reproductive health travel advisory.

S 712 requires New Jersey's Department of State to create a public "Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to help residents traveling while pregnant make informed decisions. The advisory will categorize all U.S. states using a color-coded system: "Blue" (full access without legal risk), "Yellow" (restricted access with potential legal consequences), and "Red" (extreme restrictions risking denial of emergency care). It will detail each state's laws on abortion bans, waiting periods, insurance coverage, and legal protections for patients and providers. The advisory must be posted on the state website and updated whenever another state changes its reproductive healthcare laws. This directly affects New Jersey residents who may need to travel during pregnancy for medical emergencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides reproductive health travel advisory to help residents make informed decisions about healthcare access during travel, supporting patient access to reproductive health information and services.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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