The United States Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, has overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that has protected a person’s liberty to choose to have an abortion for nearly 50 years. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), in no uncertain terms, condemns this decision and what it means for the health and safety of Americans.
ACNM’s position remains steadfast; abortion care is healthcare. Access to abortion is a key component of comprehensive reproductive healthcare. The ability to choose if, when, and how to give birth is linked to a person’s economic success, educational attainment, and general health and well-being. Certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives provide safe and effective abortion services, including options counseling, ultrasound, comprehensive abortion care, and post-abortion care. The ACNM Position Statement on Midwives as Abortion Providers further affirms, for midwives and all in the health care space, the fact that individuals have the right to decide what is best for their health, bodies, lives, and families.
What does this mean for New Jersey?
Governor Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act in January 2022, codifying the right to abortion for all New Jerseyans.
A4350/S2918 introduced into the NJ State Legislature on June 20th would provide additional access to reproductive freedom in our state.
The bill would:
- Codify the BME decision to allow certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives to be abortion providers in NJ
- Establish a fund that would educate and train new categories of NJ abortion health providers
- Provide liability protection to NJ healthcare providers who render abortion services in NJ to persons from hostile states
Now is the time to take action in New Jersey to secure reproductive freedom in our state.
Click this link for a quick & easy way to contact your New Jersey Legislator to show your support.