Can you still get an abortion in N.J. after Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?

With the U.S. Supreme Court reportedly expected to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide, New Jersey has taken steps to preserve that right in the Garden State.

“A truly dark day in America with the news reports that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade,” Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted Monday night.

“This year, I signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act – codifying a woman’s right to choose into state law. New Jersey will not go backwards on reproductive rights,” Murphy said in the tweet.

A first-draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito states the Supreme Court has voted to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to Politico, which obtained the opinion and publicized it on Monday.

While it’s not clear whether the draft represents the court’s final word on the matter, a decision to overrule Roe would lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states and have huge ramifications for elections.

New Jersey would not be among those states. The bill Murphy signed in January was in anticipation of potential undermining of the Roe v. Wade ruling by the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court.

“I want to assure every New Jerseyan that today’s news about the Supreme Court does not change access to abortion in our state,” Murphy said in another Tweet on Monday night. “Access to reproductive health care remains available to anyone who needs it in New Jersey.”

The new law (S49) also authorizes the state Department of Banking and Insurance to study whether the cost of an abortion is an impediment to low-income and uninsured women getting one.

In addition, Murphy signed a separate law (S413) requiring medical professionals in New Jersey who prescribe contraceptives to write prescriptions for 12 months at a time, and for state-regulated insurers to cover the cost.

“Together, these pieces of legislative will protect access to time-sensitive care,” Murphy said at the bill signing.

Murphy plans to address the Supreme Court news today at a press conference scheduled for 11:15 a.m. at Lambertville Gasco, 32 South Franklin St, Lambertville.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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