New law protects abortion providers
Also shield transgender procedures from protest
By: Scott Fallon
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Protesters interfering with those seeking abortions or transgender procedures will be subject to new criminal penalties in New Jersey under a law signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill on Thursday. [08/21/2026]
..... the measure also will block attempts by other states that ban those procedures from taking nay criminal or civil action against New Jersey
providers treating out-of-state patients.
..... "We won't be intimidated," Sherrill said at a signing ceremony at Planned Parenthood of Montclair. "We won't back down. and we will get it done."
..... The new law was celebrated Thursday [08/20/2026] by abortion-rights supporters, who said it would ensure better protections for patients and providers. It has been criticized by anti-abortion advocates, who said it could interfere with their right to protest.
..... "My fellow provides, my ,patients and my family can all breathe a little easier," said Natalie baker, who has a transgender child and is co-founder of the Transgender Rights coalition of New Jersey.
.....
Many New Jersey hospitals in recent years have opened centers where hormone therapy is a popular service. But there have been efforts to stop procedures, such as a bill introduced in 2022 that would criminalize hormone therapies and other treatment for transgender adolescents.
..... The new law tackles several issues. At its center, it creates the crime of "interference with reproductive health care services," in which transgender treatment are included.
.....
Under the new law, anyone who attempts to physically stop someone from entering a clinic or other medical office can be charged with a forth-degree crime punishable by up to18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The sentence go up top a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $150,000 if a victim is seriously injured.
.....
New Jersey providers have seen a rise in the number of out-of-state woman seeking abortions after 13 states enacted a total or near-total ban on abortions based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade.
..... The new law bars any other state from seeking to arrest, extradited or subpoena a New Jersey provide. It also adds other safeguards to keep medical records private.
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Opponents, including the state's largest anti-abortion organization, have said the measure is too vague and would interfere with First Amendment-protected activities by peaceful protests on pubic sidewalks.
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The new law does not waive parental consent for transgender procedures such as hormone therapy or surgery. But some Republican lawmakers said it could allow out-of-state adults to transport minors to New Jersey to obtain abortions or transgender procedures against the wishes of a parent or guardian.