New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed a sweeping new law that pro-life advocates warn could expose people to criminal charges for praying or engaging in peaceful sidewalk counseling outside abortion clinics.
The legislation, S2260/A2218, creates a new criminal offense for certain forms of interference with reproductive health care services and expands legal protections for abortion providers and gender-affirming care.
Critics say the law’s language surrounding intimidation and coercion is broad enough that peaceful conduct outside abortion facilities — including prayer, holding signs or offering alternatives to abortion — could potentially trigger legal action.
New Jersey Right to Life Executive Director Marie Tasy sounded the alarm over the measure after Sherrill signed it.
“Because terms such as ‘threat,’ ‘intimidate,’ and ‘coerce’ are inherently subjective and rest on individual feelings, this language poses a serious danger to free speech,” Tasy said.
She specifically warned that “peaceful sidewalk counseling, prayer, holding signs, or simply offering help and alternatives outside a facility” could be characterized as intimidation by someone who says they felt threatened.
Tasy argued that the law could therefore leave pro-life activists vulnerable to criminal prosecution while discouraging constitutionally protected expression outside abortion facilities.
Under the new statute, a person can be charged with “interference with reproductive health care services” for conduct including bodily injury, physical obstruction, intimidation, threats, coercion and property damage when intended to restrict access to reproductive health services.
The law defines intimidation as placing a person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm to themselves or another person.
A basic violation is classified as a fourth-degree crime, carrying a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
Charges can become more serious when bodily injury is involved.
The legislation also creates civil penalties. Individuals who claim they were harmed by prohibited conduct can seek damages, while prosecutors can pursue civil penalties reaching $10,000 for a first violation and $25,000 for subsequent violations.
Although the statute does not explicitly state that prayer itself is illegal, critics contend that its broader language could be used against peaceful demonstrators depending on how intimidation or coercion is interpreted and enforced.
Sherrill defended the legislation as necessary to protect people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming health care.
“No one should fear intimidation or violence for seeking healthcare, and no healthcare professional should fear punishment from another state for providing care that is legal in New Jersey,” Sherrill said.
The law also expands New Jersey’s shield-law protections to “gender-affirming care” and limits state cooperation with certain investigations launched by other states involving procedures that are legal in New Jersey, per Trending Politics.
Sherrill said the state intends to stand firmly behind abortion access and “gender-affirming care.”
“With this legislation, we are making clear that New Jersey will protect patients, providers, and the fundamental freedom to make personal healthcare decisions,” she said.
