Some Hormonal Contraceptives Can Now Be Purchased Without Prescription From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – On the one-year anniversary of Governor Phil Murphy signing the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, the Governor signed additional legislation to further the State’s ongoing efforts to secure and expand access to reproductive health care. The bill (S-275) will allow New Jersey pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without requiring a prescription.

Patients are typically unable to access self-administered hormonal contraceptives, including contraceptive pills, patches, and rings, in New Jersey without first obtaining a prescription from a licensed health care provider. To reduce barriers to access to this critical family planning tool, the bill requires the issuance of a standing order authorizing pharmacists to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without an individual prescription and identifying the contraceptives that pharmacists are authorized to dispense.

“While many other states are working to restrict access to reproductive health care – including contraceptives – our state continues to protect this fundamental right and expand access to this critical care on behalf of all who need it,” said Governor Murphy. “The current requirement of an individualized prescription imposes an unnecessary burden on people who may be unable to afford or find the time to go to a health care provider for a prescription. Removing that requirement will promote health equity and ease of access to contraceptives in order to empower women to make their own reproductive choices.

This legislation comes at a time when other states are allowing health care providers, health care institutions, and phar- macists to refuse to provide contraceptives or family planning care.

As such, access to contraception without a prescription will not be limited solely to New Jersey residents. New Jersey pharmacists will be permitted to provide these contraceptives to patients regardless of the patient’s residency.

“Since the Dobbs decision, state legislatures around the country have put a stranglehold on freedom, passing laws limiting access to abortion, with eyes on restricting the right to contraception! This from the states that use terms like freedom in their state slogans and government seals,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “But in New Jersey, we both talk the talk AND walk the walk. New Jersey has emerged as a beacon of light to people across the country fearing for their rights, for their health, for their future. This law will help that light shine just a bit brighter.”

In order to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without a prescription under the bill, pharmacists will have to follow standardized procedures and protocols adopted jointly by the Board of Pharmacy and the State

Board of Medical Examiners and complete a training program.

“New Jersey is a leader in protecting reproductive health and rights,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This law removes access barriers to hormonal contraceptives and puts in place the necessary safeguards and protocols that will protect patient health, safety and privacy for New Jersey’s residents.”

“The enactment of this groundbreaking legislation reaffirms New Jersey’s unwavering commitment to women’s reproductive health and autonomy,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “Since women are often juggling the demands of jobs and family responsibilities, going through the hassle, time, and expense of seeing a doctor for a birth control prescription rarely fits into their schedules. Removal of barriers to contraceptives is a great advantage to women, especially since there are pharmacies on nearly every corner, with some open 24 hours per day. We now join 20 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 100 countries around the world in freeing the pill, so that women can obtain birth control without a prescription.”

Council: Continued From Page 1

Of all these spots on this committee, only one got the approval of the council.” “We had no say on this at all. We need to address that and have a conversation. That is why I voted no,” Flemming explained.

Borrelli explained his negative vote saying, “I feel there are some minor tweaks that need to be made to it. I have concerns as well. I just wish Council had more authority to appoint the volunteers.”

“I think it is putting too much power and control in administration’s hands and I think Council should have a say especially since we are elected representatives of our town and I also think some other language needs to be added,”

Borrelli added.

“Not at this time,” Chisholm said when it came time his vote on the measure.

Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn also noted the need for better communication. She voted no to Resolution 74-23 which concerned an appointment of membership to the Jackson Municipal Utilities Authority. “I was never shown Lewis Wilder’s resume or any other resumes so I can’t vote blindly,” she told The Jackson Times

School District To Hold Lottery For 2023-2024 Free Preschool Program

JACKSON – The Jackson School District will be holding a Pre-School Lottery January 19 through February 10 to offer open spots to residents interested in the district’s free Preschool Program for the 2023-2024 school year.

The preschool lottery form will be available after 9 a.m. on January 19 on the district website at jacksonsd.org/preschool The lottery sign-up form closes at 4 p.m. on February 10. Respondents will then be chosen at random, and contacted according to their lottery positions to be offered a spot in the district’s preschool program.

The district’s preschool program offers a free, full-day program to students who will be either 3 or 4 years of age by October 1, 2023. It is taught by certified teachers and features developmentally appropriate, fun and interactive learning experiences that transition easily into the district’s kindergarten curriculum. The program is free due to a competitive grant earned by the Jackson School District. This grant allowed the district to expand enrollment, however, spots are limited. The preschool lottery determines the order you will be contacted to register in our program. Families currently enrolled in our district preschool program do not need to reapply. More information is available on the district website.

Think Chess: Beginner And Intermediate

JACKSON – Master new skills, learn everything needed to start playing chess and take part in supervised play in our special 8-week chess class. Sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library. Open to ages 8 to 14. Class will be held on January 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please fill out one form per each child to be registered. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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