New Jersey Shields Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care from Out-of-State Investigations

This story originally appeared on The Advocate.New Jersey has drawn a legal line around its doctors, patients and families.Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday signed an extensive shield law protecting people who provide, receive or help others obtain reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare that is legal in New Jersey.The law, S2260/A2218, generally prevents state agencies and courts from assisting out-of-state investigations and prosecutions targeting such care. New Jersey officials cannot arrest someone, issue subpoenas or search warrants, authorize wiretaps or help enforce judgments based solely on conduct protected by state law. The governor also cannot extradite someone who was not present in the prosecuting state at the time of the alleged offense.The measure, which took effect immediately, strengthens patient confidentiality and protects medical licenses and malpractice coverage from retaliation driven by another state’s laws. It applies to abortion, contraception, miscarriage management, assisted reproductive technology and care supporting a patient’s gender identity or expression, including services provided through telehealth under New Jersey law.Related: New Jersey races to block red state attacks on reproductive & gender-affirming care providersIt does not change how care may be provided in New Jersey or protect conduct that would violate the state’s laws or professional standards.“Today, New Jersey makes clear that medical decisions stay where they belong: with patients, families and doctors,” Natalie Baker, a health care provider, parent of a transgender child and co-founder of the Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey, said in a statement.The law also makes it a crime to use violence, threats, physical obstruction or property destruction to interfere with protected care. Patients and providers may sue for damages, attorney fees and other relief.Its enactment comes as the Trump administration escalates its campaign against gen