New Jersey’s legislature is at a critical juncture as it considers Assembly Bill A4656 and its counterpart, Senate Bill S3491, which aim to safeguard trans rights and reproductive health services. Introduced in June 2024, the bills have garnered support from 39 of the 80 Assembly members and 19 of the 40 Senators. Despite this backing, they have not yet been brought to a vote, leaving their future uncertain.
The bills are designed to ensure protections for patients and healthcare providers involved in legally protected health care activities. They specifically address access to abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and gender-affirming care, offering legal safeguards against violent attacks and federal regulations from states that have enacted restrictive laws.
At the federal level, protections for gender-affirming care have faced significant challenges, particularly since the rise of initiatives like Project 2025. Former President Donald Trump has contributed to the climate of fear surrounding trans rights, promoting narratives that vilify the LGBTQ+ community. This has resulted in a heightened sense of vulnerability among trans individuals, leading some to retreat into the shadows.
The urgency for legislative action is underscored by alarming statistics from The Trevor Project, which highlight increased rates of bullying and suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth. Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights have come under severe scrutiny, with many states implementing laws that jeopardize access to healthcare services. Some of these statutes even seek to penalize healthcare providers in other states who offer care to residents from states with bans.
New Jersey has a unique opportunity to protect those seeking essential healthcare by passing this bill without significant amendments. This legislation is not a radical reform; rather, it serves as a necessary measure to uphold existing rights. Major medical organizations support the care it seeks to protect, which is now under attack for ideological reasons rather than scientific rationale.
One mother of a trans son shared her concerns with The Trentonian, emphasizing the potential consequences of the state’s inaction. She expressed fear that if New Jersey fails to uphold protections, she may have to leave the state to ensure her son’s access to appropriate medical care. “He is who he says he is. He’s a happy kid. If you take [access to medical care] away and force him to detransition, I can’t risk that for my child,” she said, requesting anonymity to protect her son’s safety.
Another advocate, identified only as Cat, voiced her apprehensions regarding her trans daughter’s future. While her daughter currently does not receive medical care, Cat stressed the broader implications of eroding rights. “It’s not just about our kid; it’s about all the kids and the trans adults,” she stated. Cat, who has experience advocating for various marginalized groups, highlighted the unique challenges faced by her daughter, who is both Black and trans. “These are the kids who are standing up for everyone else,” she noted.
As the New Jersey Legislature enters its upcoming lame-duck session, the need for decisive action is immediate. With protections established by an executive order from Governor Phil Murphy set to expire following his term, the stakes are high. While advocates call for broader expansions of rights, the pressing issue remains the maintenance of existing protections.
This situation poses a pivotal moment for New Jersey, which has historically positioned itself as a safe haven for medical care. The outcome of this legislative process will have lasting implications for thousands of individuals seeking essential healthcare services. The fight to ensure that rights are not eroded is one that should be straightforward, yet it remains a pressing challenge for lawmakers in a state that prides itself on its progressive values.