The New Jersey Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of New Jersey’s five Catholic Dioceses, is deeply troubled by the New Jersey Senate’s decision to “fast track” S3452, legislation that would mandate that all State-regulated health plans, including Medicaid, cover 100% of the cost for abortions. Additionally, the legislation authorizes non-physicians to perform abortions and prohibits malpractice insurers from penalizing medical professionals for providing abortions or gender affirming care on the basis the procedures are illegal in other states.
The supporters call this legislation a monumental stride forward to protect and expand healthcare rights in New Jersey and necessary because abortion rights are under attack. Sadly, both claims couldn’t be further from the truth.
For centuries, the Catholic church has not only been an advocate for quality, affordable, and life affirming healthcare, we have been a leading provider, especially to the poor and marginalized. Based on our experience, we can say with full confidence, abortion is NOT healthcare because it is a direct attack on the dignity and sacredness of human life.
Additionally, the supporters claim the legislation is necessary because abortion rights are under attack. Despite this claim, unlike other states, New Jersey has no major restrictions on abortions, such as waiting periods, mandated parental notifications, or limitations on the use of public funding to subsidize these procedures.
For these reasons, the New Jersey Catholic Conference strongly opposes S3452 and urges Catholics and people of good will to join us in stopping S3452 from becoming law.
CLICK HERE to contact your legislator and ask them to oppose S3452.