Trenton, NJ – A newly introduced bill in the New Jersey General Assembly would require the state to publish a reproductive health travel advisory, categorizing every U.S. state based on how its laws restrict access to reproductive healthcare services.
Assembly Bill A4074, introduced February 12 for the 2026–2027 legislative session, directs the New Jersey Department of State to establish the “New Jersey Reproductive Health Travel Advisory.” The advisory would inform residents — particularly those who are pregnant — about the legal landscape surrounding reproductive healthcare across the country.
The measure is sponsored by Assemblywomen Mitchelle Drulis (District 16), Andrea Katz (District 8), Luanne M. Peterpaul (District 11), and Heather Simmons (District 3).
Under the proposal, the Department of State would be required to post the advisory prominently on its website and update it whenever another state changes its laws or regulations concerning reproductive healthcare services.
The bill outlines legislative findings that while many pregnancies proceed safely, medical emergencies can arise that may require termination of a pregnancy. Lawmakers state that in states with restrictive reproductive health laws, it may be unclear whether emergency care would be permitted.
- Establishes New Jersey Reproductive Health Travel Advisory
- Requires tiered system rating reproductive healthcare access in all states
- Mandates updates whenever state laws change
Three-tier rating system proposed
The advisory would classify states under a three-tier system based on the extent of access to reproductive healthcare services.
Under the bill, “Blue: Exercise normal caution” would apply to states where pregnant individuals have access to all forms of reproductive medical care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution.
“Yellow: Exercise increased caution” would signify states where access is restricted and could result in civil or criminal liability.
“Red: Reconsider travel” would designate states with what the bill describes as extremely restricted access, where individuals may face prosecution or be denied emergency reproductive medical care due to state law.
The advisory would include detailed descriptions of each state’s policies, including gestational bans, waiting periods, insurance coverage limitations, medication restrictions, constitutional protections, available funding, and potential criminal or civil liability for patients and healthcare providers.
The legislation supplements P.L.2021, c.375 and would take effect immediately if enacted.
For broader coverage, see New Jersey reproductive health legislation.
