Murphy administration announces $22.3M to protect, expand reproductive health care access in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday announced more than $22 million in funding aimed at protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care services across New Jersey, as state officials prepare for potential federal policy changes that could restrict care.
The Murphy administration said $22.325 million will be distributed through the Reproductive Health Access Fund to support family planning providers, strengthen the reproductive health workforce, enhance facility security and safeguard access to essential medications.
“Since the onset of my Administration, we have made it a priority to not only empower choice in the reproductive decision-making process, but also to strengthen our reproductive health care delivery system,” Murphy said. “While states across the nation move to restrict access to reproductive health care services and changing federal policies by the Trump Administration jeopardize the accessibility and affordability of health care access, New Jersey is determined to navigate emerging challenges to continue the positive momentum we have built over the past eight years.”
For fiscal year 2026, the funding will include $8 million to subsidize care for low-income patients at reproductive health providers targeted by federal actions; $5.5 million for physical and technological upgrades at family planning clinics; $1 million for security improvements at facilities; and $3 million for student loan redemption for primary care practitioners who provide reproductive health services in medically underserved communities.
Additional funding includes $2 million to expand clinical training programs in partnership with Rutgers University, $1 million to recruit specialized out-of-state providers, $650,000 for public education and outreach, and $500,000 to support stockpiles of reproductive health medications, including mifepristone. The remaining $675,000 will be held in reserve to respond to emerging threats, officials said.
“This funding is about one thing: Making sure New Jerseyans can still see their doctor and get the care they need,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “Left unchecked, drastic federal cuts to essential health care providers will strip away access to wellness exams, STI testing, contraception access, and breast and cervical screenings from everyday New Jerseyans. The Reproductive Health Access Fund protects essential care that keeps people healthy.”
State officials said the funding also addresses workforce shortages and aims to ensure equitable access to care statewide.
“A robust supply of trained health care professionals throughout New Jersey is critical to ensuring residents can obtain the reproductive health services they need,” said Margo Chaly, executive director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. “By offering student loan redemption to providers in exchange for serving medically underserved communities, our State is working to provide equitable access to reproductive health care for all New Jerseyans.”
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the funding positions New Jersey as a leader in reproductive rights protections.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to set a standard for reproductive health care across our nation,” Platkin said. “As other states continue to impose draconian penalties on patients and health care professionals who seek or provide abortion care, our state is taking meaningful action to facilitate unobstructed access to vital reproductive services for all.”
Officials said part of the funding will also strengthen safety and preparedness at reproductive health facilities.
“Protecting access to care also means protecting the professionals and places that make that care possible,” said Laurie Doran, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “This support helps create a safer environment for patients and staff and reinforces the continuity of essential services across New Jersey.”
Since 2018, the Murphy administration has invested more than $268 million in family planning services and reproductive health programs. The Reproductive Health Access Fund was established through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act to help the state respond quickly to evolving threats to reproductive freedom.
The state family planning program, administered through the New Jersey Family Planning League, serves about 153,000 individuals annually across all 21 counties through 17 clinics and more than 60 service sites, officials said.
