TRENTON, N.J. — In a state of the state address on Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced plans to enhance the availability of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in abortion procedures. This move comes as he navigates the complexities of working with President-elect Donald Trump while simultaneously standing firm against perceived “anti-choice” initiatives supported by Republican leaders in Congress. Murphy emphasized the importance of ensuring that women have access to this vital reproductive health option by committing to stockpile mifepristone.
During his speech before a joint session of the Democratic-led Legislature, Murphy expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration when interests align, but he affirmed his dedication to protecting New Jersey’s values. He stated, “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.”
New Jersey’s efforts to build a reserve of mifepristone align with similar initiatives underway in other Democratic-governed states such as California and Massachusetts. This drug, typically used alongside another medication, is integral in medical abortions. Although Trump has indicated he does not intend to impose restrictions on medication abortions, his comments have led to concerns among advocates, especially regarding his attorney general pick, who might seek to revive outdated laws that could inhibit access.
In addition to the focus on reproductive health, Murphy also discussed plans to prohibit cell phone use in K-12 schools, citing the overwhelming presence of screens as a barrier to effective learning. “Our children are inundated with screens,” he remarked, emphasizing the challenges they face in retaining knowledge.
Republican leaders in the state criticized Murphy’s address, suggesting that his progressive policies could lead to financial strain for families. Senate Republican leader Anthony Bucco stated, “These progressive policies you heard about today are choking our families. If we don’t get this affordability crisis under control, we’re gonna be in real trouble.”
As Murphy approaches the final year of his second term, he reflects on a tenure that marked his administration’s alignment with progressive values despite a narrower-than-expected electoral victory in 2021, along with Democratic setbacks in the Legislature. He reiterated that his core objective remains economic security for New Jersey residents, remarking, “During this final chapter of our journey, our absolute top priority — as it has been since Day One — is delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan.”
Murphy’s accomplishments during his tenure include significant reforms like stringent gun control measures, the legalization of recreational cannabis, higher taxes on the wealthy, and increased funding for education. However, as he has to step aside due to term limits, the future of the Democratic Party in the state is uncertain with an upcoming governor’s race featuring six candidates vying for the position.
This year, New Jersey and Virginia are the only states with scheduled gubernatorial elections, making Murphy’s leadership position pivotal for the party’s strategy moving forward, particularly in light of last year’s electoral defeats to Trump and the Republicans. His state address serves as a guiding framework for the upcoming year’s legislative agenda and priorities.
While some of the proposed legislation has seen success, such as a ban on disclosing patients’ medical debts, challenges remain. Murphy has previously called for empowering 16-year-olds to vote in school board elections, a proposal that has yet to gain traction in the Legislature. He also advocated for an ambitious initiative involving artificial intelligence aimed at facilitating the state’s advancement in this evolving field.
In a recent Supreme Court ruling, access to mifepristone was upheld, ensuring it remains available in states where abortion is legal. This ruling has been crucial as access to abortion varies, with certain states imposing strict bans at various stages of pregnancy, making the discussions surrounding reproductive health all the more significant in New Jersey’s ongoing legislative pursuits.
