Gov. Murphy signs four bills to expand protections and care for mothers and newborns
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed four bills aimed at strengthening maternal and infant health outcomes in New Jersey, expanding workplace protections, preventive screenings, health coverage for newborns and public awareness of doula and midwife services.
The legislation builds on the Murphy administration’s broader maternal and infant health agenda under First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative. State officials said the new laws bring the total number of maternal and infant health-related bills signed during the administration to 78.
“Improving maternal and infant health requires a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to strengthening care before, during, and after pregnancy,” Murphy said. “My Administration has made it a priority to pursue lasting change through whole-of-government action, and today’s bill signing builds on our work to make New Jersey the best state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.”
First Lady Tammy Murphy said the legislation continues progress made over the past eight years to expand access to care and support for families.
“I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished over the past eight years to advance our mission of making New Jersey the gold standard in maternal and infant health,” she said. “We are continuing to ensure all moms and babies in New Jersey have the opportunity to thrive by expanding access to lead screenings, supporting families through pregnancy and postpartum, and raising awareness for critical doula and midwife services.”
The four bills signed include measures requiring fire departments to adopt policies addressing job-related issues for pregnant firefighters; mandating lead screening for pregnant patients under certain circumstances; extending the time to enroll newborns in health insurance coverage from 60 to 90 days; and directing the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority to launch a public awareness campaign on the benefits of doula and midwife services.
Lisa Asare, president and CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority, said the legislation addresses persistent barriers to care.
“Too many families continue to face barriers in accessing the care necessary to ensure their pregnancies and births are both healthy and safe,” Asare said. “Today’s bill signings will make sure that more mothers in our state are aware of the doula and midwife services available to them, in addition to providing critical support needed to set them and their families up for success.”
Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said the bills reflect progress made during the Murphy administration to address the needs of families statewide.
“By addressing the unique needs of pregnant firefighters, strengthening lead screening protocols, extending health coverage for newborns, and promoting the vital work of doulas and midwives, we reaffirm our commitment to safe, equitable health care,” Brown said.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the lead screening legislation would help identify and protect vulnerable pregnant individuals.
“Today New Jersey takes another important step to make sure every mother and child in New Jersey gets a chance for a healthy start,” Platkin said.
State officials noted that since the launch of Nurture NJ in 2019, New Jersey has expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage, created the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority, launched a universal nurse home visitation program and invested more than $150 million in maternal and infant health initiatives.
Supporters said the measures build on the state’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
