TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation that would create a Reproductive Health Travel Advisory to inform New Jersey residents about reproductive care restrictions in other states has passed a Senate committee, lawmakers announced Monday.
The bill, S-3663, sponsored by Senator John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson), aims to provide critical information on reproductive health policies as more states impose restrictions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.
“This travel advisory will provide fair warning for New Jersey residents so they can avoid the potential risks in making their travel plans,” said Senator Burzichelli, citing cases where women were denied routine lifesaving care due to restrictive state laws.
The advisory, to be managed by the New Jersey Department of State, would offer detailed information on reproductive care laws across the U.S., including gestational limits, waiting periods, insurance coverage restrictions, and potential civil or criminal liabilities for patients and providers. The bill proposes a color-coded system to help residents understand the level of risk: “Blue” for states with full access to care, “Yellow” for states with moderate restrictions, and “Red” for states with severe limitations.
Senator Ruiz emphasized the importance of protecting New Jersey residents traveling out of state. “We must protect our residents and assume worst-case scenarios are possible outside our state,” she said, highlighting the “seismic shift” in reproductive care laws across the country.
The advisory would be prominently displayed on the New Jersey Department of State’s website and regularly updated to reflect legal changes in each state
