Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Linda Greenstein, which would establish the “My Life, My Plan” Program in the Department of Health, cleared the Senate today.
“It is crucial that we empower women with the information they need to be proactive and make intentional decisions about their reproductive health,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “When women know the services available to them and plan ahead, they are better able to align their reproductive care with their beliefs and long term goals.”
The bill, S-3376, would require the DOH to establish the “My Life, My Plan” program to support women of childbearing age in developing reproductive life plans.
“New Jersey has incredible services to assist young women in their reproductive care,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Unfortunately, if they do not know what is available to them they are not able to take full advantage of the programs we offer. This legislation will help women match their goals with the resources in place to help them reach those goals.”
The program resources would be accessible online and could include interactive educational materials tailored to a woman’s values and reproductive goals. There would be components designed for teenagers and could be components designed for men.
The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 35-1.