Reproductive Justice

LWVNJ believes that every pregnant person, regardless of income and in consultation with a qualified health care provider, has the right to decide whether or not to terminate a pregnancy.

our work

The LWVNJ Women and Family Issues Committee (WFIC) partnered with THRIVE NJ, to support passage of NJ’s Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act which codified the constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice, including abortion. WFIC supports THRIVE’s work on passing additional legislation to ensure equal access to abortion for NJ’s most vulnerable individuals and for those with private insurance plans.

WFIC hosts information sessions for local LWV members to increase awareness of NJ’s current legislative landscape and shares toolkits through which League members can share advocacy strategies.

WFIC advocates for legislation, education and awareness regarding abortion rights by serving on panels, accepting speaking engagements, and peacefully participating in events throughout the state in support of reproductive justice.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Contact your state legislators to urge them to support the Reproductive Equity Act!

Email Your Legislator!

Maternal Health

NJ needs to improve the health outcomes of NJ expectant and current mothers, especially those most vulnerable.

Our Work

WFIC supports First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ, a multi-pronged, multi-agency initiative that aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. Its strategic plan addresses nine action areas.

WFIC continues to monitor NJ’s maternal health activities and actively seeks ways to advocate for maternal mental well-being, postpartum depression, and workplace protections for expectant mothers.

In 2019 WFIC convened a statewide forum of leading voices on Maternal Mortality in New Jersey designed to focus attention on key issues and improve outcomes in the State of NJ.

WFIC advocates for legislation, education and awareness regarding health outcomes for new and expectant mothers by serving on panels, accepting speaking engagements, and peacefully participating in events throughout the state in support of maternal health equity.

Sexual Health Education

NJ needs effective, comprehensive sex education programming and minimum standards mandated by law.

our work

WFIC members joined the Thrive Coalition, a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving all aspects of early childhood development.

WFIC contributed to the development of curricula that is expected to be adopted by NJ districts. The new curricula removes language prioritizing abstinence over other preventative methods, (2) established standards regarding pregnancy options, (3) encouraged the inclusion of gender-neutral language over gender-binary language, (4) include sexual health care when referencing health care, and (5) removed shaming, stigmatizing and fear-based language in state-wide curricula.

WFIC has developed an advocacy plan that supports constituents’ engagement with their Boards of Education to adopt these standards in their sex education curricula. WFIC members spoke at NJ national convention on Sexual Health Education.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey sent a letter to Governor Murphy urging the administration to maintain the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education adopted by the State Board of Education in 2020.

WFIC advocates for legislation, education and awareness regarding minimum sex education standards by serving on panels, accepting speaking engagements, and peacefully participating in events throughout the state in support of age-appropriate sex education.

Childcare

LWVNJ recognizes the challenges NJ families face regarding access to affordable, quality child care.

our work

WFIC tracks legislation related to accessible childcare in the state of NJ.

The Committee submitted testimony in support of Senator Ruiz’s childcare bill package and will continue to monitor its progress through the Senate.

WFIC works with and supports Advocates for Children of NJ in its child advocacy efforts.

“As a mom of a newborn and having to go back to work, I knew I needed childcare. I made several phone calls and sent several emails to find a daycare for my baby. I begged the Director of my current childcare and cried because I could not find adequate childcare for him. It is extremely difficult and nerve wracking right now in NJ to find childcare. Something must change for families.”

Naome C. Dunnell
Mom of 4