ACLU of New Jersey Campaign Strategist Alejandra Sorto today released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson which upended the longstanding federal constitutional protection of abortion rights:
“One year ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time eliminated a federal constitutional right, the right to abortion. Overnight millions of people across the nation found their lives upended with the SCOTUS decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In New Jersey, our right to reproductive freedom and autonomy, including abortion, remains protected; however, the key issue we must address now is access and who, in reality, can attain this time-sensitive health care.
“We have the opportunity and obligation to join the states that are taking bold action to protect and expand access to abortion care, and guarantee that all New Jerseyans have equal access to this right. The Reproductive Equity Act (S2918/A4350) will remove barriers to abortion faced by communities of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, those living in rural communities, and people who are low-income. This legislation was introduced one year ago but has still not been passed. Inaction in this moment is unacceptable.
“ACLU-NJ and our partners will continue to fight for a future where all New Jerseyans can access and afford reproductive health care without barriers, fear, or stigma. We call on New Jersey legislators to expand access to abortion care for all now.”
