New Jersey shields abortion and gender-affirming care from out-of-state investigations

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 providers

It 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 gender-affirming care. The Justice Department announced in 2025 that it had issued more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics treating transgender young people. A divided federal appeals court recently revived one targeting QueerDoc, a telehealth provider.

The New Jersey statute restricts cooperation with federal investigations only to the extent permitted by federal law. But it denies hostile officials elsewhere easy access to the state’s institutions and resources.

Related: New Jersey lawmakers are trying to shield trans health care from out-of-state threats

“Today marks a decisive turning point in this state,” said Lauren Albrecht, Garden State Equality’s senior director of advocacy and organizing, in a statement to The Advocate. “Today, we have shown our medical providers, their patients, and the rest of our country that New Jersey stands up against transparent, politically motivated attacks on bodily autonomy, self-determination and expert medical care.”

The Assembly approved the bill 55-23 in June, and the Senate concurred 25-15. New Jersey joins 16 other states and Washington, D.C., with shield protections covering reproductive and gender-affirming care.