In preparation for President-elect Trump's return to the White House and the GOP's control of Congress, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the state will stockpile abortion medication. During his State of the State address, the Democratic governor highlighted the importance of safeguarding access to medications like mifepristone, emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with the Trump administration on shared priorities while also standing firm against opposing policies, particularly those concerning reproductive rights. He pledged to stockpile mifepristone to ensure access for all women in the state. Governor Murphy expressed his willingness to find common ground with the incoming administration but stressed his resolve to defend New Jersey's values against potential challenges. New Jersey joins other Democrat-led states taking similar measures to protect access to mifepristone, a key component in medication abortions. While President-elect Trump stated he doesn't intend to restrict abortion access, he acknowledged that circumstances can change. Pro-choice advocates have voiced concerns regarding potential restrictions, especially with the nomination of Pam Bondi for attorney general.
The Supreme Court recently upheld access to mifepristone nationwide, but abortion access remains restricted or banned in several states. In his address, Governor Murphy, who is term-limited, outlined various proposals for the coming year, underscoring his commitment to economic security and opportunity for New Jersey residents.
One notable proposal includes a statewide ban on cell phones in K-12 schools, citing concerns about screen time and its impact on learning.