New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR59

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes amendment to constitution regarding parental notification for medical or surgical procedures or treatments relating to pregnancy to be performed on minor children.

Impact

If passed, ACR59 would enable the New Jersey Legislature to establish laws requiring parental or guardian notification for medical procedures pertaining to pregnancy for minors. This could significantly alter the landscape of parental rights and minors' health care across the state. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step for ensuring parental involvement in critical health decisions regarding their children, which they deem essential for responsible parenting.

Summary

ACR59 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey that seeks to amend Article I by adding a new paragraph that mandates parental notification before any medical or surgical procedure or treatment relating to pregnancy can be performed on unemancipated minors or incompetent children. This proposal directly responds to a previous New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that deemed parental notification laws unconstitutional, interpreting them as a violation of equal protection rights under the state constitution. The current proposal is designed to empower the legislature to require such notifications, irrespective of existing constitutional rights relating to privacy and personal decision-making.

Contention

However, this amendment invites significant contention, particularly regarding issues of privacy, bodily autonomy, and the historical context of minors' rights. Critics, including advocates for reproductive rights and privacy, may argue that imposing such notification requirements places undue barriers on minors seeking health care related to pregnancy. They assert that this amendment could lead to increased stigma and difficulties in accessing necessary medical treatments, especially in sensitive cases involving sexual health or abuse. Thus, the discussions surrounding ACR59 reveal a deep division in public opinion on parental rights versus minors' autonomy.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR21

Same As Proposes amendment to constitution regarding parental notification for medical or surgical procedures or treatments relating to pregnancy to be performed on minor children.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR99

Proposes amendment to constitution regarding parental notification for medical or surgical procedures or treatments relating to pregnancy to be performed on minor children.

NJ ACR14

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR48

Proposes constitutional amendment to broaden powers of the Council on Local Mandates.

NJ ACR15

Proposes Constitutional amendment to limit exercise of eminent domain to acquisition of land for essential public purposes.

NJ ACR16

Proposes constitutional amendment to preserve right of people to fish, hunt, trap, and harvest fish and wildlife.

NJ SCR44

Proposes constitutional amendment to broaden powers of the Council on Local Mandates.

NJ ACR12

Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

NJ ACR52

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit assessment of homestead real property, and allow exemption on up to $50,000 of home's value.

NJ ACR31

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ ACR89

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.

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