Samantha Bee finds hope for reproductive rights in New Jersey

NelsonG · September 30, 2021

Texas has effectively banned abortions. Florida may be following suit, with a recently proposed bill that restricts abortions being performed. Suffice to say, reproductive rights are in significant danger throughout the United States.

So Samantha Bee set out to find some hope for the cause on Full Frontal — and found a movement brewing in New Jersey. The garden state is working to ensure that reproductive rights are perpetually protected.

"Before we lose control of our uteruses forever, one state is fighting back," Bee said.

Bee spoke to NJ governor Phil Murphy and Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, VP public affairs at Planned Parenthood Access Fund of NJ. She discovered that they are few of many in the state who are championing the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA). The act is based on the principles of Roe v. Wade, the historical decision that legalised abortion in America.

"It's a law that would forever and always protect reproductive freedom in New Jersey," the governor tells Bee. The act is nondiscriminatory, regardless of immigration status.

"This is very disappointing because I have a whole list of New Jersey jokes right now and I can't tell them because you are attempting to transform New Jersey into a safe haven," says Bee.

Despite integrating some particularly damning footage of Jersey Shore (it had to be done) and a few classic NJ digs, Bee fell in love with with the state — for good reason.