By Dave Andrusko
New Jersey pro-abortion Governor Phil Murphy’s proposal to allow midwives to perform first-trimester pregnancies “is the latest in the Murphy administration’s effort to expand abortion access,” Dana Difilippo reported for the New Jersey Monitor. In December 2021, the Board of Medical Examiners “eliminated a state requirement that only physicians licensed to practice medicine and surgery in New Jersey could perform abortions,” according to Difilippo.
“If successful, it would make New Jersey one of about ten states that allow certified midwives or nurse-midwives to perform abortions,” Katie Balevic reported for the Business Insider. “Several states with stronger restrictions require the procedure to be performed by a physician, a policy that New Jersey did away with in 2021.”
The Murphy Administration’s zeal to “expand abortion access” has been an ongoing crusade from when he was first elected. The latest proposal was to meet “rising demand” for abortion since the 2022 Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade.
“Lawmakers last year passed a law to solidify abortion rights in New Jersey, launched a task force to protect providers and patients and ensure confidentiality of care, and banned the extradition of people who get or give abortions here to states that criminalize the procedure,”
according to Difilippo.
In addition, “The state just this week began requiring health insurance plans provided by employers with at least 50 workers to include coverage for abortions.”
The state Board of Medical Examiners, which oversees midwives, proposed a rule “that would establish the regulatory requirements for certified nurse-midwives and midwives to perform surgical abortions through the 14th week of pregnancy,” Difilippo reported.
The Midwifery Liaison Committee reports that New Jersey has almost 450 active certified nurse-midwives and midwives.
Public comments will be accepted until Nov. 17.