In New Jersey, hospitals have begun asking parents to fill out a form that includes questions about their newborn babies' sexual orientation and gender identity. This requirement stems from a law enacted in June 2022, which mandates healthcare providers to collect such data. The form, developed by Inspira Health, asks parents to identify their babies as "Male, Female, Transgender, Gender Queer," or under an "Additional gender category." Notably, parents are permitted to decline providing this information.
The bill was introduced by Democratic New Jersey State Senators Joseph Cryan and Angela McKnight and was approved by Trenton on June 30, 2022. New Jersey State Senator Herbert Conaway, a former assemblyman who worked on the bill, explained the rationale behind the legislation.
“The bill was modeled after an Indiana statute and is designed to provide public health officials with the data they need to develop public health measures that effectively serve all New Jerseyans,” Conaway stated.
Despite the intentions behind the law, some parents and lawmakers have expressed concerns over its implications.
“Identifying my baby as gay on Day 1 is insane,” commented Carsen Rodgers.
Similarly, Sandy Anello voiced skepticism about the form's purpose.
“That form is completely crazy, and anyone who would dictate a baby’s sexual orientation probably has an agenda,” she remarked.
In response to the growing unease, New Jersey State Senator Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) is introducing a bill aimed at revising the mandate's language. Schepisi's proposal seeks to limit the collection of such demographic data to patients aged 16 and older. She also raised concerns about the potential misuse of collected data.
“The entire thing lacks such common sense, and serves no purpose whatsoever. As a mom myself, I know you’re exhausted after giving birth, you’ve got a crying newborn and you’re trying to figure out how to feed it. To be handed that sort of form in the midst of all that has no medical value, it makes no sense,” Schepisi expressed.
The current law requires hospitals like Inspira Health to comply by using the "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questionnaire." However, an Inspira Health representative emphasized the voluntary nature of the data collection.
“are permitted to decline to provide this information,” said the representative.
Conaway defended the legislation by highlighting its focus on acquiring essential data for public health purposes while stressing that parents are not obliged to answer any questions that may cause discomfort.
“Good policy depends on the availability of complete and accurate data. Under the law, hospitals are required to collect and report demographic data on the patients they serve; however, no patient or parent is obligated to answer any question that makes them uncomfortable,” Conaway explained.
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