Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey applauds senate action to protect and expand access to reproductive health care
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. — Today, the New Jersey State Senate passed S3452, the first bill of the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package. Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Kaitlyn Wojtowicz issued the following statement in response:
“We applaud the New Jersey State Senate for passing S3452 as part of the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package. This legislation represents a crucial step forward in ensuring equitable access to reproductive health care for all New Jerseyans.
“S3452 addresses a significant barrier by eliminating cost-sharing requirements for insurance coverage of reproductive health services, abortion services. While New Jersey state law protects the right to abortion, many individuals face financial obstacles that prevent them from accessing this essential health care service. Despite mandates for coverage under state-regulated health plans, the existence of deductibles, copays, or coinsurance can impose often insurmountable financial obstacles to care, particularly for New Jerseyans already struggling to make ends meet.
“By removing these cost-sharing barriers, S3452 not only upholds reproductive rights but also promotes health equity by ensuring that access to abortion is not determined by financial means. This legislation reflects our commitment to safeguarding individuals' autonomy over their reproductive decisions and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all residents of New Jersey.
“We thank the bill’s prime sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, for her steadfast commitment to breaking down barriers for all who seek affordable reproductive health care. We also thank Senate President Nick Scutari and all the senators who championed and voted for this bill. Now, we urge the Assembly to move quickly to pass A4601, a companion bill that provides the same level of access to all reproductive health care, including abortion, by removing financial and other barriers to care.”