New Jersey Assembly Bill A3621

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Requires women incarcerated in county correctional facilities to cover full cost of abortion.

Impact

Should A3621 be enacted, it would alter the financial obligations of female inmates concerning reproductive health services. This legislation could lead to considerable hardship for incarcerated women, particularly those unable to afford the costs of abortions. Critics argue that this requirement could deter women from seeking necessary medical procedures or put them in vulnerable positions due to the financial implications of their reproductive choices while in custody.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3621 aims to amend existing laws regarding the cost of abortion for women incarcerated in county correctional facilities in New Jersey. The bill stipulates that such inmates would be responsible for covering the full costs associated with any abortions that are not deemed medically necessary to save the woman's life. This change builds upon previous legislation which required inmates to pay a nominal fee for medical procedures, including abortions, but now shifts the financial burden significantly.

Contention

The bill has generated debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups alike. Proponents may argue that local control over corrections allows counties to manage finances as they see fit, thus justifying the cost-sharing aspect. Conversely, opponents point out that this imposes excessive financial strain on some of the most vulnerable individuals in society and could infringe on women's healthcare rights. The balance between maintaining fiscal responsibility for correctional facilities and safeguarding the rights of inmates is a central vein of contention surrounding A3621.