SW News: In what is seen as a setback to pro-lifers in the US state of New Jersey, the Board of Medical Examiners has the green signal to allow non-physician medical professionals to perform abortions. Advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified midwives can now perform first-trimester aspiration abortions in New Jersey from henceforth. Non-physician medical practitioners will also be allowed to do them in an office setting after 14 weeks of pregnancy as part of the new policy.

Last October, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners unanimously approved to amend the "medically unnecessary abortion laws," that came into effect on December 6. "At a time when our country is on the verge of severely limiting access to reproductive health care, New Jersey is prioritizing the expansion of these critical services", said Governor Phil Murphy, who identifies himself as a "lifetime Catholic."

In a statement issued on December 6, he added that removing obsolete obstacles to care guarantees that all New Jersey residents have equal access to reproductive health care. Nearly 12,000 advanced practice nurses, 4,500 physician assistants, and 420 midwives will be able to conduct abortions if the changes take effect. Abortion is permitted in New Jersey at any stage of pregnancy.