New Jersey enacts shield law, governor likens abortion access to gun availability
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a shield law protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, warning that obtaining an abortion is harder than buying an AR-15.
During a signing event at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Montclair, Governor Mikie Sherrill proclaimed the passage of a shield law designed to safeguard access to reproductive and gender-affirming health services in New Jersey. She contrasted the ease of acquiring an AR-15 with the challenges of obtaining an abortion, citing the overturn of Roe v. Wade and subsequent bans in 13 states. The legislation, which cleared the Senate 25-15 and the General Assembly 55-23, prohibits the state from extraditing individuals under investigation for receiving abortions or gender-affirming care elsewhere.
It also criminalizes interference with patients or providers at health facilities. Sherrill warned that governors such as Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis could not pursue investigations against those who travel to New Jersey for care, positioning the state as a sanctuary for lawful medical services.
Why it matters
The law makes New Jersey a refuge for abortion and gender-affirming care, countering restrictive policies in other states.
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