New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Tuesday said the state would stockpile abortion pills, days before President-elect Trump returns to the White House.
“I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align. But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested,” Murphy said in his state address.
He highlighted the Garden State’s commitment to a woman’s bodily autonomy amid growing conservative anti-abortion rhetoric in Congress.
“A couple of years ago, New Jersey worked proactively to protect abortion rights months before Roe was overturned,” he told the audience. “And now, we must further secure our reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom.”
“First, I am once again calling on the Legislature to pass a law that will scrap out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures…,” Murphy said.
The governor added, “Additionally — and in light of the anti-choice policies supported by the current majorities in Congress — today, I am also announcing that New Jersey will begin stockpiling a supply of Mifepristone, so every woman can access this crucial form of reproductive care.”
California and Massachusetts are also working to collect a large stockpile of the pill.
Trump preemptively pledged to protect the right to obtain the abortion pill known as mifepristone in his interview with Time Magazine — after he was named “Person of the Year” — but also noted “things change.”
His vow came after the Supreme Court ruled last year that a group of anti-abortion doctors did not have any legal basis to challenge access to mifepristone, one of the two common drugs used in medication abortion.
Murphy emphasized that he’d do everything in his power to protect abortion access.
“When it comes to protecting fundamental rights, I will not give an inch,” he confirmed.
New Jersey and Virginia are both set to undergo gubernatorial elections this year.
Murphy is not seeking reelection.
