An international pro-life organization, 40 Days for Life, has announced it will cover the legal costs for activists who are prosecuted under a new New Jersey law designed to prevent disruptive protests at abortion clinics.
The group expressed concern that the law's language regarding intimidation and threats could be broadly interpreted to penalize peaceful demonstrators praying for the unborn outside reproductive health centers.
"Prayer is not a crime. Holding a sign is not intimidation. Offering a woman help is not coercion," said Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life. He stated that the law is intended to deter people of faith from protesting by creating a risk of prosecution and lawsuits. "We will not be intimidated," Carney added. "If the state tries to weaponize this law against constitutionally protected speech, our Institute of Law & Justice will be there to defend them at no cost."
The organization clarified that its legal support would only extend to activists engaged in peaceful activities. The law in question, identified as S2260/A2218, establishes criminal penalties for actions that "injure, threaten, intimidate, or physically block patients or providers," or cause damage to property associated with "reproductive healthcare services."
This legislation also strengthens New Jersey's existing shield laws, preventing facilities within the state from cooperating with out-of-state inquiries concerning individuals who violate laws related to transgender surgeries. This is in addition to the state's existing protections for abortion access.
Governor Mikie Sherrill's office maintains that the law will not be used against pro-life activists who are peacefully praying. "Of course peaceful prayer is protected," said spokesperson Steve Sigmund. "This legislation protects patients and providers from threats to their safety, and defends the fundamental freedom to make personal healthcare decisions without fear or intimidation."
Sigmund further stated, "Nothing in this law prevents lawful, peaceful protest or the exercise of constitutionally protected speech. What is not protected is violence, threats, intimidation, physical obstruction, or property damage intended to interfere with someone receiving or providing reproductive healthcare."
40 Days for Life plans to use its legal arm, the Institute of Law & Justice, to fund both civil and criminal defense for peaceful protesters who encounter legal challenges under the new statute. The group conducts approximately nine vigils annually in New Jersey, drawing between 2,000 and 3,000 participants.
New Jersey is among the states with fewer restrictions on abortion, allowing the procedure at any stage of pregnancy without requiring specific circumstances, similar to Massachusetts which recently removed its 24-week gestational limit. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022 indicated that nearly 93% of abortions occur within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.