Efforts are intensifying for the New Jersey legislature to act on Assembly Bill A4656 and its companion Senate Bill S3491, which aim to protect trans rights and reproductive health care access. Despite having significant bipartisan support—39 out of 80 Assembly members and 19 out of 40 Senators as co-sponsors—the bills have not yet been brought to a vote since their introduction in June 2024.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide essential protections for patients and healthcare providers engaged in legally protected health care activities, including abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and gender-affirming care. It would shield individuals from violent attacks and ensure legal protections against federal entities and states that have enacted restrictive laws.
With the landscape for trans rights increasingly precarious, particularly at the federal level under initiatives like Project 2025, advocates are sounding alarms. The rhetoric from former President Donald Trump and other conservative figures, which has vilified trans individuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community, is contributing to a climate of fear. Many trans individuals report feeling compelled to revert to a more concealed existence due to escalating hostility.
According to data from The Trevor Project, bullying and harassment are rampant among trans and nonbinary youth, leading to a distressing rise in suicide attempts. The situation for reproductive rights is similarly dire. Since the *Roe v. Wade* decision was overturned in 2022, numerous states have imposed strict restrictions on abortion access, creating a patchwork of laws that often penalize healthcare providers.
New Jersey has an opportunity to serve as a sanctuary for those seeking healthcare services that are under siege elsewhere. Advocates argue that these bills do not represent a radical expansion of rights; rather, they are designed to uphold fundamental protections that are essential for a vulnerable segment of the population. Major medical organizations endorse these healthcare practices, which are currently facing ideological attacks rather than evidence-based scrutiny.
One mother, who requested anonymity for her safety, expressed her fears regarding her trans son’s access to medical care. Residing in South Jersey, she noted that once there were more options available, but with increasing federal regulations, many gender care clinics have shut down or limited their services. “If you take [access to medical care] away and force him to detransition, I can’t risk that for my child,” she stated, referencing the challenges posed by a subpoena issued by the U.S. Department of Justice against the CHOP Gender Clinic, which sought extensive personal information on patients receiving gender-affirming care.
Another advocate, known as Cat, shared concerns for her trans daughter, who currently does not receive medical care. While the bill may not provide immediate benefits for her child, Cat emphasized that the erosion of rights poses a threat to the future of all trans individuals. “It’s not just about our kid; it’s about all the kids and the trans adults,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of living in a society that devalues certain lives.
The New Jersey legislature now faces a critical moment to advocate for trans rights and reproductive healthcare. As the current term of Governor Phil Murphy nears its conclusion, protections established through his executive order in 2023 will expire, making prompt legislative action imperative. Advocates emphasize that the urgency to secure these rights is paramount, as failure to act could lead to further erosions of protections that many residents rely upon.
With the potential to maintain essential healthcare access, New Jersey has the chance to reaffirm its commitment to being an inclusive and supportive environment for all its residents. While expanding rights and access remains an ongoing goal, the immediate focus must be on preserving existing protections to prevent a dangerous regression in healthcare rights.
