A New Jersey Assembly committee has advanced a Democratic-backed bill that would criminalize individuals who interfere with access to abortion and pediatric gender treatments. The measure, which would make New Jersey the first state to explicitly criminalize such interference, has sparked controversy among pro-life advocates and supporters of parental rights.

Bill Details

The legislation would establish a new criminal offense for “interference with reproductive health services,” including abortion procedures. It would also protect access to pediatric gender treatments for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and related mental health treatments. Protections would extend to individuals who travel to New Jersey from jurisdictions where abortion is restricted or illegal.

Pro-life advocates have expressed concerns that the bill could infringe on free speech rights and further erode parental rights. Gregory Quinlan, founder and leader of the conservative advocacy group Center for Garden State Families, argued that the bill could lead to the arrest of pro-life advocates who engage in peaceful protests or “sidewalk counseling” outside clinics.

Despite the criticism, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Teresa Ruiz, has maintained that the measure is necessary to protect healthcare and is not a violation of First Amendment rights. The bill would also make it a fourth-degree crime to harass, harm, or block individuals from accessing or providing such services, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.