New Jersey lawmakers are trying to shield trans health care from out-of-state threats

"The state Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee voted 5-2 to advance a bill that would protect patients and providers who access or provide legally protected health care activities targeted in other states. The legislation specifically covers gender-affirming care and reproductive health care."

"New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz, a Democrat, sponsored the bill and said it protects patients and physicians from prosecution for obtaining care. "This bill is to protect healthcare. Not a political debate. Not a culture war talking point. Healthcare," Ruiz said, according to the New Jersey Monitor."

"Several transgender patients from across the Garden State testified about the need for protections as the Trump administration moves to curtail care for minors. "Never did I expect I would need to advocate for my own healthcare rights," testified 15-year-old Luci Amato, who identifies as non-binary."

"The bill would codify protections that New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy established through a 2023 executive order declaring the state a " safe haven " for people seeking gender-affirming care. Lawmakers in a growing number of states have o"

New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to provide legal protections for patients and health care providers who access or provide legally protected health care activities targeted in other states. The bill specifically covers gender-affirming care and reproductive health care. The state Senate committee voted 5-2 to advance the measure, with the vote split along party lines. LGBTQ+ advocates described the committee approval as a major milestone after two years of lobbying. The bill’s sponsor said it protects patients and physicians from prosecution for obtaining care. Transgender patients testified about the need for protections as federal actions curtail care for minors. The bill would codify protections established by a 2023 executive order declaring New Jersey a safe haven for people seeking gender-affirming care.

Read at Advocate.com