Gov. Phil Murphy joined top state officials and Democratic lawmakers in Trenton on Wednesday to reaffirm his administration’s support for protecting reproductive freedom in New Jersey. Murphy touted the steps his administration has taken in the last year to expand access and protections for reproductive health care, including millions of dollars in funding and expanding the group of medical professionals who are able to perform safe abortions.
He was buoyed by the state Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Pharmacists, who voted earlier in the day to allow people to buy birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives without a prescription. That vote was hailed by Murphy and others as a major step towards implementing the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, which the governor signed in early 2022.
Abortion rights have become a key issue for Democrats as they head into November’s statewide legislative races.
