TRENTON — A bill aimed at ensuring free access to reproductive health services for Haitian migrants in New Jersey was introduced to the state Senate on Thursday. The legislation, titled the “Reproductive Health Access for Haitian Migrants Act,” is sponsored by Senator Renee C. Burgess of Essex and Union counties.
The proposed bill would require the New Jersey Department of Health, in partnership with community health clinics and migrant support organizations, to provide Haitian migrants with a variety of contraceptive options at no cost. These would include intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control pills, and Depo-Provera injections.
According to the bill’s text, comprehensive reproductive health education and counseling would also be offered to help Haitian migrants make informed decisions about their reproductive health. “Access to comprehensive reproductive health services is essential for the well-being and autonomy of individuals, especially for marginalized populations such as Haitian migrants,” the bill states.
The Department of Health would be tasked with developing guidelines for the act’s implementation, including eligibility criteria and the logistics of contraceptive distribution, within 120 days of the bill’s passage.
An annual report would also be submitted to the governor and legislature, detailing outreach efforts and any barriers Haitian migrants encounter in accessing these services.
The bill was introduced as part of the 221st Legislature and takes effect immediately if passed.