¶ Overview
Ciattarelli claimed to take a “libertarian” approach to abortion rights, but ultimately supported a 20-week abortion ban, claiming that was when fetuses began to feel pain. He also opposed state funding of Planned Parenthood, and instead uplifted anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers. Ciattarelli opposed both the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act and the first version of abortion rights legislation, the Reproductive Freedom Act. Ciattarelli called the Reproductive Freedom Act “extreme,” comparing it to extreme abortion bans, and “radical” for easing restrictions on abortion and expanding access to abortion providers.
¶ Ciattarelli Supported A 20-Week Abortion Ban, Opposed Funding For Planned Parenthood, And Criticized The Reproductive Freedom Act
¶ Ciattarelli Flip-Flopped On Abortion, Alleging He Supported Abortion Rights While Also Supporting A 20-Week Abortion Ban
¶ Ciattarelli Claimed To Take A “Libertarian” Approach To Abortion Rights
2024: Ciattarelli Claimed That, As A Libertarian, He Believed Abortion Was “A Deeply Personal Decision Between A Woman, Her Partner, Her Medical Professionals, And Her God If She So Believes.” According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview with State of Affairs with Steve Adubato, “HOST: Supreme Court is a couple of years ago they decided on Roe v. Wade. They overturned it. What is your view of what the state policy should be? It was codified, if you will, the right to a legal abortion in the state of Jersey. Would you in any way attempt to change that? CIATTARELLI: My position hasn't changed on this issue, Steve. I've got a very strong libertarian streak and us libertarians do not like big government involved in deeply personal decisions. I believe this is a deeply personal decision between a woman, her partner, her medical professionals and her God if she so believes. And so I've always respected a woman's right to choose.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – State of Affairs with Steve Adubato, 7/6/24] (VIDEO)
¶ Despite His Proclaimed Support Of Abortion Rights, The New Jersey Right To Life PAC Recommended Ciattarelli For Governor In 2021
2021: New Jersey Right To Life Cautiously Recommended Ciattarelli For Governor But Declined To Fully Endorse Him Because He Claimed To Support Abortion Rights. According to The New Jersey Globe, “New Jersey Right to Life PAC cautiously ‘recommended’ Jack Ciattarelli in his 2021 campaign to unseat Gov. Phil Murphy. They declined to fully endorse Ciattarelli at the time because of his proclaimed support of abortion rights.” [New Jersey Globe, 12/5/24]
The New Jersey Right To Life PAC Refused To Fully Endorse Ciattarelli In 2021 Due To His Proclaimed Support Of Abortion Rights. According to The New Jersey Globe, “New Jersey’s largest anti-abortion group endorsed Bill Spadea for governor Thursday. […] The New Jersey Right to Life PAC is connected to the National Right to Life Committee, the country’s largest anti-abortion organization. The state group hesitantly ‘recommended’ Jack Ciattarelli in his 2021 campaign to unseat Gov. Phil Murphy. New Jersey Right to Life refused to fully endorse Ciattarelli at the time because of his proclaimed support of abortion rights.” [New Jersey Globe, 11/14/24]
¶ Ciattarelli Claimed That He Supported A Woman’s Right To An Abortion, Yet He Supported A 20-Week Abortion Ban
2021: Ciattarelli Said That He Would Support Banning Abortions After 20 Weeks, Said He Supported Parental Notification, And Said He Opposed Tax-Payer Funded Abortion Services. According to Jack Ciattarelli on an episode of WPG Talk Radio, “If Roe V. Wade is overturned in Washington, Frank, it is going to be turned back to the states. And at that time, I'll sit down with our Republican majority in the legislature to see where we want to go. I certainly support the Steve Oroho, Joe Pennacchio bill that would disavow any and all abortions after the 20-week mark, which is the mark at which our science and our medical professionals tell us that the fetus experiences pain. I certainly believe in parental notification. I don't think taxpayer dollars should ever be used for abortions.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – WPG Talk Radio, 4/17/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Called For Restricting Abortion Later In Pregnancy, Said That Parents Should Be Notified If Their Child Wants To Get An Abortion, And Said He Opposed The Expansion Of Abortion Providers. According to Jack Ciattarelli in an episode of IndusTV, “First of all, I support the agencies that provide healthcare to thousands of women across the state and I also support a woman’s right to choose. I do think there need to be restrictions. I don’t know of anybody across the state of New Jersey that believes they shouldn’t be notified if their teen daughter is pregnant and seeking an abortion. But I do respect a woman’s right to choose with restriction, with restrictions. The science says the developing baby feels pain after five months if there's an abortion. The science says that developing baby is viable outside the womb after five months. I believe in parental notification. Phil Murphy does not. Phil Murphy believes that abortion should be performed right up until the day of birth in months seven, eight, nine, and have it performed by somebody other than an M.D., which would put the woman's life at stake if there were complications. New Jerseyans don't believe that, nor do I.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – IndusTV (New Jersey), 10/27/21] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Couched His So-Called Support For Abortion Rights With His Support For Abortion Restrictions
2021: Ciattarelli Claimed He “Never Not Advocated For A Woman’s Right To Choose” But Went On To Say He Supported A Parental Notification Law For Minors And Supported A Ban On Abortion After 20 Weeks. According to The Star Ledger, “Ciattarelli: ‘I have never not advocated for a woman's right to choose.’ Ciattarelli made this statement during the first debate last month. But when questioned further, he said he supports a parental notification law for minors — a requirement in 10 other states — and a ban on abortion after 20 weeks, which 17 states have enacted, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
¶ Opinion Pieces Highlighted Ciattarelli’s Support For Restricting Abortion At 20 Weeks And Restricting Planned Parenthood Funding
Star-Ledger Editorial Board Opinion: Ciattarelli Favored A Ban On Abortions After 20 Weeks And Supported Christie’s Policy To Cut Funding For Planned Parenthood. According to a Star-Ledger Editorial Board opinion, “There is a consensus that abortion rights are safe in New Jersey, and that nothing is likely to dim the beacon of freedom that our state represents for any woman who needs access to reproductive health care. The reality is more sobering. In a post-Roe nation, where 21 states have imposed full bans or significant restrictions on abortion rights, New Jersey could be only a few election cycles away from severe curtailment or a possible elimination of those rights, and all you have to do is listen to the politicians who want to make that happen. […] They are reminders that anti-abortion politicians have always been certain that they are better equipped than a woman and her doctor to determine whether a pregnancy should be carried to term, and as Chris Christie proved for eight years, some Republicans have no misgivings about making reproductive health care available only to the wealthy by erasing funding for Planned Parenthood. We know this because they introduce such bills almost every year. So ask yourself again what can happen if the Assembly and Senate turn over next month, followed by the 2025 election of a governor like Jack Ciattarelli, who favors a ban on abortions after 20 weeks and supported Christie's cut to family planning services.” [Editorial Board Opinion – Star-Ledger, 10/22/23]
Tom Moran Opinion: Ciattarelli Wanted To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks And Eliminate Funding For Planned Parenthood, Saying He Would Instead Fund “Federal Health Centers.” According to a Tom Moran Opinion from The Star-Ledger, “The Supreme Court’s midnight decision to support a Texas ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy is bad news for women in the state, who will have to flee across the border to secure what was a Constitutional right until last week. […] Finally, the Texas decision is bad news for Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for governor, who wants to ban abortions after 20 weeks, in violation of the 24-week protection spelled out in Roe v. Wade. He would also eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, saying he would plug the gap in women’s health care by funding federal health centers instead.” [Tom Moran Opinion – Star-Ledger, 9/5/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Spread False Information About Abortions, Claiming Fetuses Began To Feel Pain After 20 Weeks
2021: Ciattarelli Said That Science Proved A Fetus Could Feel Pain During An Abortion After 20 Weeks Despite Studies Showing That A Fetus Did Not Have The Capacity To Feel Pain Until At Least 24 Weeks Of Gestation. According to The Star Ledger, “‘We know the baby feels pain during an abortion after 20 weeks. That's the science,’ Ciattarelli said. But is it? According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, ‘A human fetus does not have the capacity to experience pain until after viability.’ ‘Rigorous scientific studies have found that the connections necessary to transmit signals from peripheral sensory nerves to the brain, as well as the brain structures necessary to process those signals, do not develop until at least 24 weeks of gestation,’ according to a statement on the medical association's website, addressing the Trump administration.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
- 2021: Ciattarelli Said, “We Know The Baby Feels Pain During An Abortion After 20 Weeks. That's The Science.” According to The Star Ledger, “‘We know the baby feels pain during an abortion after 20 weeks. That's the science,’ Ciattarelli said. But is it?” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
2021 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Supported The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” Which Prohibited Abortions After 20 Weeks. According to the Rights & Freedoms Section of Jack for Governor, “Support New Jersey’s proposed ‘Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act’, which would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks while ensuring all women have access to high-quality prenatal care and education Oppose the proposed, so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’, which could allow abortion up to the point of birth.” [Rights & Freedoms, Jack For Governor via archive.org, Archived on 6/20/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Supported Restricting Abortions After 20 Weeks Because He Believed In “The Science” That Claimed At That Stage The Developing Fetus Began To Feel Pain. According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview with News 12 New Jersey, “I don't support the Texas law. I think it's a bit extreme. But at the same time, what's extreme is Phil Murphy's position on abortion. He doesn't believe in parental notification. I do. And I think most parents do. And he also believes, because he keeps asking for Steve Sweeney to put that abortion law on his desk, he believes abortions should be performed in months seven, eight, nine, and even have it performed by somebody other than an M.D. That's not where New Jersey is. That too is extremism. I've never advocated for overturning Roe v. Wade. I've always respected a woman's right to choose. But I also respect the science, which says after 20 weeks, five months, that the developing baby begins to feel pain. And so let's have restrictions on abortion, but let's not necessarily overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – News 12 New Jersey, 9/25/21] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Agreed That Abortions Later In Pregnancy Were “Murder”
2021: Ciattarelli Downplayed Whether The Supreme Court Would Overturn Roe V. Wade And Claimed No One In New Jersey Supported Abortions Later In Pregnancy, Agreeing With The Radio Host’s Claim That Abortion Later Pregnancy Was “Murder.” According to Jack Ciattarelli on an episode of the radio show Bernie and Sid in the Morning, “CIATTARELLI: I don't really think Roe v Wade is going to be overturned by the Roberts court, but if it does, we will protect a woman's right to choose. But I tell you what we're not going to do in New Jersey, which is what Phil Murphy wants. He wants to allow the woman the right to have an abortion right up until the moment of birth. HOST: That's crazy. That's murder. That's crazy. CIATTARELLI: Nobody in New Jersey believes—that’s murder—Nobody in New Jersey believes there should be abortions in month seven, eight, nine.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Bernie And Sid In The Morning, 11/2/21] (AUDIO)
¶ During His 2021 Campaign, Ciattarelli Avoided Taking A Strong Stance On Abortion
¶ In 2021, Ciattarelli Claimed He Was Not Particularly Focused On Abortion
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Would Speak On His Abortion Policies When Asked But Was Not Particularly Focused On The Issue. According to The Hill, “In that vein, Ciattarelli has focused much of his campaign on issues such as New Jersey's property taxes and government spending. And while he has policies on culture war issues like abortion and immigration, he says that's not where his focus lies. ‘I have an obligation to speak to those issues whenever anyone asks, but I think the reason why I've won seven races in this state, all in contests where Democrats outnumber Republicans, is because I focus on the two issues that matter most to people: opportunity and security,’ Ciattarelli said in an interview. ‘I think a commonsense, conservative approach to government and ... lower taxes better provide opportunity and security.’” [The Hill, 7/21/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Claimed That His Strategy Of Not Talking About Abortion Helped Him Win Elections In Blue Areas. According to Politico, “During a question-and-answer session at the gun range event last month, Ciattarelli stressed that he's won elections in places with a lot of Democrats because ‘I go places Republicans typically don't go.’ ‘I go into the brown community, I go into the Black community, I go into Democratic places. And I ... don't talk about abortion and gun rights. What I do talk about are ... things that everybody wants, no matter who they are,’ he said.” [Politico, 7/21/21]
¶ A Tom Moran Opinion Piece Highlighted That Ciattarelli Alienated Pro-Choice And Anti-Abortion Voters And Emphasized How Ciattarelli Avoided Addressing Abortion Issues
Tom Moran Opinion: Ciattarelli Simultaneously Favored Restrictions On Abortion And Supported Abortion Rights With Conditions, Which Alienated Both Pro-Choice And Anti-Abortion Voters. According to a Tom Moran Opinion from The Star-Ledger, “If Roe is overturned, and federal protection for abortion rights disappears, each state will have to find its own way. And that raises the temperature on an issue where Ciattarelli has no natural allies in New Jersey. Matthew Hale, a political scientist at Seton Hall University, says Ciattarelli alienates pro-choice voters by favoring restrictions, and alienates pro-life voters by supporting abortion rights under some conditions. ‘He doesn’t gain on either end,’ Hale says.” [Tom Moran Opinion – Star-Ledger, 9/5/21]
Tom Moran Opinion: Ciattarelli Avoided Directly Addressing The Abortion Topic And Did Not Use The Word “Abortion” On His Campaign Website. According to a Tom Moran Opinion from The Star-Ledger, “Ciattarelli declined to be interviewed on the topic, and if you search for the word ‘abortion’ on his campaign web site, you have to dig. His position is described under a section titled, ‘Promote healthy children and families.’” [Tom Moran Opinion – Star-Ledger, 9/5/21]
- Tom Moran Opinion: Ciattarelli Opposed The Reproductive Freedom Act, Saying It Would Allow Abortions Up To The Moment Of Birth And Deny Parents A Role In Their Children’s Abortions, And Opposed Language That Pregnant Individuals Should Be Able To Make Their Own Health Care Decisions Without Government Interference. According to a Tom Moran Opinion from The Star-Ledger, “He opposes the Reproductive Freedom Act, charging that it would allow abortions until the moment of birth, and noting that it would deny parents of teens any role. The campaign cites this language in the bill as problematic: ‘Pregnant individuals should be able to make their own health care decisions throughout the course of their pregnancy with the advice of health care professionals they trust and without government interference or fear of prosecution.’” [Tom Moran Opinion – Star-Ledger, 9/5/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Opposed Funding For Women’s Health Care And Planned Parenthood And Promoted Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers
¶ Ciattarelli Opposed Taxpayer Funding Of Abortion, And Instead Advocated For Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Opposed Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Services. According to Jack Ciattarelli on an episode of WPG Talk Radio, “If Roe V. Wade is overturned in Washington, Frank, it is going to be turned back to the states. And at that time, I'll sit down with our Republican majority in the legislature to see where we want to go. I certainly support the Steve Oroho, Joe Pennacchio bill that would disavow any and all abortions after the 20 week mark, which is the mark at which our science and our medical professionals tell us that the fetus experiences pain. I certainly believe in parental notification. I don't think taxpayer dollars should ever be used for abortions.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – WPG Talk Radio, 4/17/21] (AUDIO)
¶ Opposing Taxpayer Funding Of Abortions Was A Core Plank Of Ciattarelli’s Campaign In 2021 And 2025
2025 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Opposed Taxpayer Funding Of Abortion. According to the Platform section of Ciattarelli for Governor, “Jack respects that this issue evokes strong feelings from well-intentioned people on both sides of the issue, and his personal position is as follows: 1) Prohibit elective abortions after 20 weeks while ensuring all women have access to high-quality prenatal care and education; 2) Support parental notification for minors seeking an abortion - the fact that a 16-year-old in New Jersey needs her parents’ permission to get her ears pierced, but not get an abortion is absurd; 3) Oppose taxpayer funding of abortion; 4) Oppose the so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’ signed into law by Governor Murphy that allows abortion up to the moment of birth; and 5) Support education and innovative approaches to reduce teenage and unwanted pregnancies.” [Platform, Ciattarelli For Governor, Viewed 4/7/25]
2021 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Opposed Taxpayer Funding Of Abortion. According to the Rights & Freedoms Section of Jack for Governor, “Oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.” [Rights & Freedoms, Jack For Governor via archive.org, Archived on 6/20/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Wanted “Separation” For Planned Parenthood Funding To Prevent Taxpayer Funding Of Abortions
2019: Although Ciattarelli Claimed He Did Not Support The Overturning Of Roe V. Wade, Ciattarelli Said He Was “Personally Opposed To Abortion” And Claimed There Needed To Be “Separation” In Funding For Planned Parenthood Due To Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Services. According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview on Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, “HOST: Polls show that Republican candidates do poorly among especially single women. And one of the reasons is because of of being pro-choice, pro-life. Where do you come down on that. And for instance Phil- Chris Christie cut the funding for Planned Parenthood. Phil Murphy brought it back. Where would it stand under a Governor Ciattarelli? CIATTARELLI: I don't think it's a pro-life/pro abortion issue. I think it's much more than that with regard to our poll numbers amongst women, minorities HOST: ‘It's a big part of it with women, single women. That's not a big part of it?’ CIATTARELLI: It's a part of the calculus. It's a part of the calculus. I'm someone who is personally opposed to abortion but I'm not someone who's in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. HOST: How about funding for Planned Parenthood? CIATTARELLI: With respect to what Planned Parenthood does for women's health, there needs to be separation. I think a great many people have trouble with the fungible taxes that are used in clinics that are also performing abortions. Across the board, people have trouble with that.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, 3/4/19] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Advocated For State Funding Of Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers
2021: Ciatterelli Said That Tax Dollars Should Not Support Agencies That Provide Or Advocate For Abortions And Called For State Funding For Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers. According to Jack Ciattarelli on the 77 WABC Radio Hour, “I’m all for women's health. I’m all for everyone's health, David. I don't believe that tax dollars should be used for abortions or for agencies that necessarily advocate for abortions. If that's the case, then we should also be funding those non-profits out there that help women with unwanted, unnecessary pregnancies. So let's be fair about the funding, but I've never been one that supported tax-payer dollars being used to fund abortions or organizations that advocate for abortions.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – 77 WABC Global Power Hour, 1/23/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Advocated For Providing Taxpayer Dollars To Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers If Planned Parenthood Continued To Receive State Funding. According to Jack Ciattarelli on the show Talk with a Purpose, “My position has been very, very clear. I do not approve of the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion. And if we're going to send money to Planned Parenthood for the great many women who depend on it for women's health care and I support women's health care, and I support the women that depend on Planned Parenthood for things other than abortion. I've always said this: If we're going to send money to Planned Parenthood, why don't we send money to pregnancy resource centers that also assist in women's health but don't advocate for abortion? Isn't that the fair thing to do?” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Talk With A Purpose, 9/18/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Argued That Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers Should Receive State Funding As Well As Planned Parenthood Because They Provided The Same Women’s Health Services As Planned Parenthood But Did Not “Advocate For Abortion.” According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview with One on One with Steve Adubato, “HOST: You also support the elimination, if I'm not mistaken, of Planned Parenthood. CIATTARELLI: A great many women, Steve, depend on Planned Parenthood for women's health, and I support that. What I've said all along is I do not support the use of taxpayer dollars for abortions. And if we're going to send money to Planned Parenthood for all the women that depend on it for women's health, we should also send money to all the pregnancy resources centers out there that women depend on for women's health. It's just that those places don't advocate for abortion. What's fair is fair.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – One on One with Steve Adubato, 10/10/21] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Supported Governor Christie’s Efforts To Pull Funding For Women’s Health Care
Ciattarelli Supported Governor Christie’s Efforts To Pull $7.5 Million In Funding For Women’s Health Care, Which Christie Later Confirmed Was An Attack On Abortion Rights. According to The Bergen Record, “Murphy's campaign also points to Ciattarelli's repeated support for Christie's efforts to pull $7.5 million for women's health care clinics, run mostly by Planned Parenthood. Democrats and women's groups saw it as a thinly-veiled attack on a right to abortion, which Christie initially denied but later confirmed at a conservative policy conference.” [Bergen Record, 4/19/21]
- All 28 Democratic Women Lawmakers Stated That Ciattarelli Used Anti-Women Rhetoric And That Funding Cuts To Women’s Health Care Centers Denied Basic Health Service To Low-Income Women Of Color. According to The Bergen Record, “Last month, the Murphy campaign enlisted all 28 female Democratic lawmakers to condemn Ciattarelli, asserting that those cuts also denied basic health service to low-income women of color. ‘We're now again hearing the same anti-women rhetoric echoed from a Republican gubernatorial hopeful who stood in lockstep with Governor Christie,’ they said in a joint statement.” [Bergen Record, 4/19/21]
2021: Two Democratic Assemblymen And The Atlantic County Commissioner Joined 28 Democratic Women Lawmakers To Condemn Ciattarelli For Not Supporting Funding For Women’s Reproductive Health Care Organizations That Advocate For Abortion. According to The Press of Atlantic City, “Democratic Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo […] and Democratic running mates Assemblyman John Armato, D-Atlantic, and Atlantic County Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick, signed on in support of 28 Democratic women lawmakers in the state, who recently condemned Jack Ciattarelli for not supporting funding for women's reproductive health care organizations that advocate for abortion. ‘I wrote the law that restored Chris Christie's devastating cuts to women's health care in New Jersey,’ Mazzeo said in a written statement. ‘We allocated over $7 million in funds to restore the cuts instituted by the former administration because access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and women's access to healthcare should not be a partisan issue.’” [Press of Atlantic City, 3/29/21]
¶ In 2017, Ciattarelli Supported Governor Christie’s Funding Cuts To Planned Parenthood
2017: Ciattarelli Did Not Support Restoring Christie’s Funding Cuts To Planned Parenthood. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, “From abortion to climate change and taxes, GOP gubernatorial candidates Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli staked out positions Thursday in their last debate before the New Jersey primary that served as a reminder of the relative moderation of the Republican Party in the state. […] On the topic of Planned Parenthood, Guadagno said that she was ‘;not in favor of abortions, but I am pro-choice.’; ‘;I don't believe government has a place in my home, what I do with my body,’; Guadagno said, though neither she nor Ciattarelli supported restoring Christie's funding cuts to Planned Parenthood.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/18/17]
Star-Ledger Editorial Board Opinion: Ciattarelli Supported Governor Christie’s Policy To Cut Funding For Planned Parenthood. According to a Star-Ledger Editorial Board opinion, “They are reminders that anti-abortion politicians have always been certain that they are better equipped than a woman and her doctor to determine whether a pregnancy should be carried to term, and as Chris Christie proved for eight years, some Republicans have no misgivings about making reproductive health care available only to the wealthy by erasing funding for Planned Parenthood. We know this because they introduce such bills almost every year. So ask yourself again what can happen if the Assembly and Senate turn over next month, followed by the 2025 election of a governor like Jack Ciattarelli, who favors a ban on abortions after 20 weeks and supported Christie's cut to family planning services.” [Editorial Board Opinion – Star-Ledger, 10/22/23]
¶ In 2017, Ciattarelli Did Not Prioritize Restoring The Funding For Women’s Health Centers
2017: Ciattarelli Said Funding Care For Veterans And Mental Health Services Was More Urgent Than Restoring Funding For Women’s Health Centers. According to NJ Spotlight News, “For instance, neither said they would restore the more than $7 million in funding for women's health centers that Christie cut, which has led to the closure of six centers across the state. Guadagno said tax dollars should not be used to fund abortions, adding that the administration has given money to federal health centers to make up for the cut. Ciattarelli said that while women's health is important, 'there are a number of more urgent matters, including care for veterans and mental health services, that need funding.” [NJ Spotlight News, 5/19/17]
- 2017: Ciattarelli Argued That Other Community Issues Like Mental Health Services Needed To Be Considered Over Women’s Health Care When Asked About Taxpayer Funding Of Planned Parenthood. According to NJ Spotlight News, “‘As a woman, I am not in favor of abortions, but I am pro-choice,’ said Guadagno. ‘But when it comes to Planned Parenthood, look, private entities should not be funded with taxpayer money. Abortions should not be funded with taxpayer money.’ ‘I will tell you that since Planned Parenthood arrived on the scene there have been a number of other very urgent matters that have arisen in the community,’ replied Ciattarelli, in perhaps the most pointed exchange of the night. ‘When I think about homeless veterans, beds for drug addicts, the lack of mental health services in the community, we are at peak demand for mental health services. We can’t meet it.’” [NJ Spotlight News, 5/19/17]
¶ Ciattarelli Vehmently Opposed Legislation Codifying Abortion Rights, Called It As Extreme As Texas’ Abortion Ban, And Made False Claims About The Legislation
¶ Ciattarelli Opposed The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act, Which Codified Abortion Rights In New Jersey Law
¶ The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act Was A Scaled-Back Version Of The Reproductive Freedom Act
2022: Governor Murphy Signed The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act Into Law, Which Codified The Abortion Rights In New Jersey, And Was A Scaled-Back Version Of The Reproductive Freedom Act. According to the New Jersey Monitor, “Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday codifying the right to an abortion into state law, a move abortion rights advocates say is necessary as the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled it may overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision later this year. The new law (S49), dubbed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, will also permit the state Department of Banking and Insurance to conduct a study on whether the cost of an abortion is a barrier to low-income and uninsured women, a step toward requiring insurance companies to cover the procedure. […] The new law is a scaled-back version of a previous bill, the Reproductive Freedom Act, which stalled in the Legislature after it was introduced in 2020 and lost more support when Republicans flipped seven Democratic legislative seats last year. The law as signed does not require insurance companies to cover abortions outright.” [New Jersey Monitor, 1/13/22]
- Murphy Passed An Executive Order Allowing Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Certified Nurse Midwives, And Certified Midwives To Perform Abortions. According to the New Jersey Monitor, “Murphy through executive action in December allowed advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified midwives to perform the procedure.” [New Jersey Monitor, 1/10/22]
- The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act Permitted The State Department Of Banking And Insurance To Conduct A Study On The Cost Of An Abortion As A Barrier To Low-Income And Uninsured Women, Which Could Lead To Requiring Insurance Companies To Cover Abortions. According to the New Jersey Monitor, “The new law (S49), dubbed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, will also permit the state Department of Banking and Insurance to conduct a study on whether the cost of an abortion is a barrier to low-income and uninsured women, a step toward requiring insurance companies to cover the procedure.” [New Jersey Monitor, 1/13/22]
¶ Ciattarelli Expressed Opposition To The Final Version Of The Legislation That Codified Abortion Rights
2022: Ciattarelli Lamented That The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act Allowed People To Travel From Out-Of-State To Receive Abortions And Claimed That It Allowed Abortions “Up To The Day Of Delivery.” According to Ciattarelli’s Twitter, “Yesterday the Democratically-controlled legislature fast-tracked on the very last day of the lame duck voting seesion an abortion bill the public had no opportunity to comment on. The bill didn't even have the complete support of all Democrats. When Gov. Murphy signs the bill, as he said he will, abortions will be allowed up to the day of delivery; people are welcomed from out-of-state to have their abortion performed here; and no parental notification is required for minors seeking an abortion.”
[Twitter, @Jack4NJ, 1/11/22]
2025 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Opposed The “So-Called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act,’” Which He Claimed Allowed “Abortion Up To The Moment Of Birth.” According to the Platform section of Ciattarelli for Governor, “Jack respects that this issue evokes strong feelings from well-intentioned people on both sides of the issue, and his personal position is as follows: 1) Prohibit elective abortions after 20 weeks while ensuring all women have access to high-quality prenatal care and education; 2) Support parental notification for minors seeking an abortion - the fact that a 16-year-old in New Jersey needs her parents’ permission to get her ears pierced, but not get an abortion is absurd; 3) Oppose taxpayer funding of abortion; 4) Oppose the so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’ signed into law by Governor Murphy that allows abortion up to the moment of birth; and 5) Support education and innovative approaches to reduce teenage and unwanted pregnancies.” [Platform, Ciattarelli For Governor, Viewed 4/7/25]
¶ Ciattarelli Also Opposed The Reproductive Freedom Act, The First Version Of The Legislation That Sought To Codify Abortion Rights, And Called It “Radical By Any Measure”
¶ The Reproductive Freedom Act Sought To Codify Abortion Rights, Expand Access To Abortion Providers, And Require Insurance Coverage For Abortions
2021: The Reproductive Freedom Act Sought To Codify The Right To An Abortion In New Jersey, Ease Regulations To Expand Access To Abortion Providers, Require “Insurance Coverage With No Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Abortion,” And Certified That “A Fertilized Egg, Embryo, Or Fetus May Not Be Understood To Have Independent Rights.” According to WHYY, “Wednesday — as people around the world tuned in for oral arguments in a case that could overturn precedents set by Roe v. Wade — New Jersey officials and advocacy groups made the case for a bill that would codify a person’s right to abortion in the state. New Jersey’s Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA) was first introduced in the state Senate and General Assembly in October 2020, but it has since stalled in both chambers. […] The RFA, which is primarily sponsored by Senate and Assembly Democrats, would do more than protect abortion access in the Garden State. It would also ease regulations on doctors and facilities where late-stage abortions could be provided; allow nonphysician medical professionals to perform abortions in certain cases; require insurance coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for abortion and contraceptives; and certify that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus may not be understood to have independent rights under the laws of the state.” [WHYY, 12/1/21]
- 2022: The New Jersey Legislature Passed The Freedom Of Reproductive Choice Act, Which Was Similar To The Reproductive Freedom Act But Removed Mandates For Insurance Coverage Of Abortions And Expanding The Number Of Abortion Providers. According to the New Jersey Monitor, “Lawmakers in both chambers approved a bill codifying New Jersey’s abortion protections and sent the measure to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk, where it is expected to be signed. […] The bill, dubbed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, is a pared-down version of the Reproductive Freedom Act, a more expansive abortion rights bill championed for months by Gov. Phil Murphy and advocacy groups liked Planned Parenthood New Jersey. The broader measure would also have mandated insurers cover contraceptives and expanded the number of health care professionals who can conduct terminate pregnancies. It would also have required insurance companies cover abortion procedures, without an in-house study.” [New Jersey Monitor, 1/10/22]
¶ Ciattarelli Opposed Abortion Later In Pregnancy, The Expansion Of Abortion Providers, And Outlawing Parental Notification Requirements
2021 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Called The Reproductive Freedom Act “Radical By Any Measure” For Allowing Abortions Of “Full-Term Babies,” Outlawing Parental Notification For Minors, And Authorizing Non-Licensed Physicians To Perform Abortions. According to a press release from Jack for Governor, “Ciattarelli continued, ‘The debate over Roe v. Wade is one that evokes passion on both sides whereby reasonable people can disagree, but a law that would allow the abortion of full-term babies, outlaw parental notification for minors, and authorize non-licensed physicians to perform abortions is radical by any measure.’” [Press Release – Jack For Governor via archive.org, Archived on 6/23/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Opposed Protections For Third Trimester Abortions And The Expansion Of Medical Examiners Allowed To Perform Abortions, But Claimed He Supported Codifying Abortion Rights Into State Law. According to The Bergen Record, “Murphy has said he wants the Legislature to send him the Reproductive Freedom Act to codify Roe v. Wade into state law, but the Republican nominee for governor, Jack Ciattarelli, said he opposes the types of expansion the medical examiners approved Wednesday. ‘No one supports an abortion in months seven, eight and nine, let alone it having it performed by somebody other than an M.D.,’ or medical doctor, he said at Tuesday night's debate. Ciattarelli did, however, say he supports codifying the right to abortion into state law.” [Bergen Record, 10/13/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Called The Reproductive Freedom Act “Radical” For Protecting Abortion Later In Pregnancy, Outlawing Parental Notification For Minors, And Allowing Physicians Other Than Doctors To Perform Abortions. According to The Press of Atlantic City, “Murphy, a Democrat, is running for reelection this year, and his likely Republican opponent, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, said in a statement Tuesday he opposes the Reproductive Freedom Act. ‘The debate over Roe v. Wade is one that evokes passion on both sides whereby reasonable people can disagree,’ Ciattarelli said, ‘but a law that would allow the abortion of full-term babies, outlaw parental notification for minors and authorize non-licensed physicians to perform abortions is radical by any measure.’” [Press of Atlantic City, 5/21/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Called The Legislation “Too Expansive” And Said It Went “Too Far”
2021: Press Of Atlantic City Editorial Board: Ciattarelli Opposed The Reproductive Freedom Act As Being “Too Expansive.” According to a Press of Atlantic City Editorial Board opinion, “Murphy supports the Reproductive Freedom Act's expansive support for abortion rights and access, while opponent Jack Ciattarelli opposes it as too expansive.” [Editorial Board Opinion – Press of Atlantic City, 6/20/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Said The Reproductive Freedom Act Went “Too Far” And Called Pro-Abortion Rights Legislators “Arrogant” For Promoting The Bill In Trenton. According to Jack Ciattarelli at an Atlantic Highlands Meeting, “Listen, we're going to point out a whole bunch of the kind of bills that come out of this this legislature when there's a Democratic governor. At least when we had a Republican governor there, he was able to keep the beast in the cage. With this governor, the beast is out of the cage. I mean the most recent Reproductive Freedom Act that was introduced allows abortions in months seven, eight & nine. Now I got to tell you something. No matter where it is you stand on the abortion issue, nobody believes there should be abortions in months seven, eight, nine. And yet that's the bill that was just introduced in the legislature. So like anything else they go way too far. They go way too far when they get as arrogant as this group has in Trenton. And we're going to point that out around the state of New Jersey.” [Jack Ciattarelli – Atlantic Highlands Meeting, 2/5/21] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Tried To Avoid Speaking On Texas’ Restrictive Abortion Ban, But Eventually Called It A “Form Of Extremism” Similar To The Reproductive Freedom Act Of New Jersey
2021: Ciattarelli Dodged A Question About His Thoughts On Texas’ 6-Week Abortion Ban And If He Believed In Consequences For Abortion, But Instead Claimed The Reproductive Freedom Act Of New Jersey Was Too Extreme. According to Jack Ciattarelli a Kenilworth Town Hall said: “QUESTION: So I understand that you're pro-life, which I appreciate. I was wondering where you stand on the Texas law? And do you think there should be consequences for abortions? CIATTARELLI: So I’m not someone - I celebrate life. I’m not familiar with what’s going on in Texas. I’m so wrapped up on what’s going on here in New Jersey. Let me say one thing, okay? Under Governor Ciattarelli, we’re not gonna have bills like the Reproductive Freedom Act. So Donald Trump got Amy Barrett on the Supreme Court, and the reaction from Phil Murphy and the Democrats in the legislature was they introduced here in New Jersey the Reproductive Freedom Act. Interestingly considering it allows abortions in months 7, 8 and 9 as performed by somebody other than an MD. Now I need to tell you, I’ve had pro-choice Democratic women come up to me and say ‘I don’t believe in that, that’s extremism.’ And it is. And even when the primary sponsor of the bill was recently quoted saying ‘if we need to change the bill, then we’ll change the bill.’ Whenever you hear that, that means it’s a bad bill. Now what’s interesting is Phil Murphy asked for this bill to get sent to his desk. The Democratic leadership, which posted the bill in the legislature, said we are not posting that bill. What does that tell you? This isn’t who we are. Abortion in months 7, 8, and 9 as performed by somebody other than an MD? Come on.” [Jack Ciattarelli, Kenilworth Town Hall, New Jersey, 9/7/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Said Murphy Advocating For A Law That Allowed Abortion Later In Pregnancy Was “A Form Of Extremism” Just As The Texas Law Challenging Roe V. Wade Was “A Form Of Extremism.” According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview with One on One with Steve Adubato, “HOST: What's going on in Texas regarding abortion is not related to New Jersey, but that case may go before the Supreme Court, the law in Texas that dramatically changes Roe versus Wade. Who knows what it could mean for the nation. What do you believe it should mean, not just for the nation, but for New Jersey, assemblyman? CIATTARELLI: I've been very clear all throughout my career and life, Steve. I've never advocated for overturning Roe v. Wade. I've always been A OK with a woman having a right to choose. I believe what we see in Texas is a form of extremism, just as what we see from Phil Murphy is a form of extremism. He continues to advocate for a law that the legislative leaders refuse to post because they know it's a bad law. It's a law that would allow abortion in months seven, eight and nine, right up to the day of delivery, as performed by somebody other than an M.D. If that's not extremism, I don't know what is. So I do not support the Texas law, but I certainly don't support what Phil Murphy supports. I believe my position on abortion is right where a majority of New Jersey’s is.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – One on One with Steve Adubato, 10/10/21] (VIDEO)
2021: Ciattarelli Called Texas’ Six-Week Abortion Ban “A Form Of Extremism” But Wanted To Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks. According to The Star Ledger, “He called the Texas abortion ban after six weeks ‘a form of extremism’ but he doesn't believe abortions should be allowed past 20 weeks.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Pledged To Sign Into Law Abortion Rights But Opposed The Reproductive Freedom Act
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Would Not Sign The Reproductive Freedom Act In New Jersey, Claiming The Legislation Went “Too Far.” According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview on 77 WABC Global Power Hour, “HOST: So what about pending legislation that was it was introduced by Senator Weinberg to protect legal abortion in New Jersey just in case the Supreme Court overturns Roe. Would you sign a bill like that?’ CIATTARELLI: I would not. That bill goes way too far. I mean we’re talking about that in that bill abortions that take place in months 7, 8, 9. C’mon now. No one believes in that no matter where they are in the political spectrum, so no. That’s not the kind of bill I would ever sign.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – 77 WABC Global Power Hour, 1/23/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Would Sign A Law Protecting Abortion Rights In New Jersey But Would Not Support The Reproductive Freedom Act. According to The Star Ledger, “The former Republican Assemblyman from Somerset County also said he would sign a law that protects abortion rights in New Jersey, but not the ‘extreme’ bill championed by Murphy, which Ciattarelli claims would allow the procedure at any stage of a pregnancy, and for medical professionals other than doctors.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Would Not Sign The Reproductive Freedom Act “In A Million Years.” According to The Bergen Record, “‘Not in a million years,’ Ciattarelli said in May, when asked if he would sign the Reproductive Freedom Act if elected. ‘We're not going to have abortions in months seven, eight and nine, let alone performed by professionals other than MDs. ... It's not where New Jersey is on that issue.’” [Bergen Record, 9/13/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Would Refuse To Sign The Reproductive Freedom Act As Governor. According to Ciattarelli’s Twitter, “Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Coughlin are refusing to move the so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’ (S-3030) for the same reason that I would strongly oppose it and refuse to sign it as governor.”
[Twitter, @Jack4NJ, 5/18/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Called Governor Murphy “Too Extreme” On Abortion
2021: Ciattarelli’s Campaign Called Murphy’s Reproductive Freedom Act “Out Of Touch” And About Politics Rather Than Women’s Health. According to The New Jersey Globe, “The Ciattarelli campaign shares the assessment that the bill Murphy wants passed won’t work with some members of his own party. ‘Governor Murphy can’t even get Democrats to support something so out of touch, Williams said. ‘Otherwise, he would call the Legislature into session and pass his law today. The truth is, for Governor Murphy, this isn’t about women’s health – it’s about politics and he is once again out of step with New Jersey.’” [New Jersey Globe, 9/1/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Made False Claims About The Reproductive Freedom Act’s Expansion Of Abortion Providers
¶ Ciattarelli Claimed The Reproductive Freedom Act Allowed Abortions “Up To The Minute Of Birth” And Allowed People Other Than Doctors To Perform Second- And Third-Trimester Abortions
2021: Ciattarelli’s Campaign Said The Reproductive Freedom Act That Murphy Was Pushing Abortions “Up To The Minute Of Birth” And Allowed Someone Other Than A Medical Doctor To Perform An Abortion. According to The New Jersey Globe, “But the Ciattarelli campaign said it was Murphy’s position on abortion that were ‘extreme.’ ‘The law he’s pushing would prevent parents from being notified if their 15-year old daughter was seeking an abortion, while allowing abortions up to the minute of birth, performed by someone other than a medical doctor,’ said Stami Williams, a spokesperson for Ciattarelli. ‘That’s insane.’” [New Jersey Globe, 9/1/21]
2021: Ciattarelli Falsely Claimed That The Reproductive Freedom Act Would Allow People Other Than Doctors To Perform Second And Third-Trimester Abortions, When It Only Allowed Nurses To Perform First-Trimester Abortions. According to The Star Ledger, “New Jersey regulations allow only physicians to perform aspiration abortions, a first-trimester procedure, Sutocky said. The legislation would allow an advance practice nurse to step in, making the procedure more available. The vast majority of abortions in America — 91% — are performed at or before 13 weeks, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite Ciattarelli's comments, the bill would not allow anyone other than a doctor to perform a second- or third-trimester abortion, Sutocky said.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
¶ The Reproductive Freedom Act Did Not “Expand The Window Of Time A Woman May Seek An Abortion” And Only Allowed Advance Practice Nurses To Perform First-Trimester Abortions
The Reproductive Freedom Act Did Not “Expand The Window Of Time A Woman May Seek An Abortion,” But Lifted Some Bureaucratic Credentialing Requirements To Expand Access To Abortion Providers, And Allowed Advance Practice Nurses To Perform First-Trimester Abortions, While Still Requiring A Doctor To Perform Second- And Third-Trimester Abortions. According to NJ.com, “The Reproductive Freedom Act would not expand the window of time a woman may seek an abortion, said Roxanne Sutocky, Patient Advocate and Director of Community Engagement, Cherry Hill Women’s Center. New Jersey law has never banned abortion at any point in pregnancy. But ‘old and outdated’ state regulations have created a de facto ban, Sutocky said. The bill would lift some of the bureaucratic credentialing requirements that require doctors who perform later abortions to apply to the state Board of Medical Examiners and demonstrate ‘superior training and experience,’ as well as proof of support staff and facilities deemed adequate to accommodate the increased risks of providing this service. In Cherry Hill, only two doctors meet this requirement, and they are permitted to perform abortions up to 24 weeks and six days, Sutocky said. […] New Jersey regulations allow only physicians to perform aspiration abortions, a first-trimester procedure, Sutocky said. The legislation would allow an advance practice nurse to step in, making the procedure more available. The vast majority of abortions in America — 91% — are performed at or before 13 weeks, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite Ciattarelli’s comments, the bill would not allow anyone other than a doctor to perform a second- or third-trimester abortion, Sutocky said.” [NJ.com, 10/16/21]
¶ Although Ciattarelli Said He Believed IN ABORTION BAN EXCEPTIONS, He Also Supported Additional Restrictions On Abortions
¶ Ciattarelli Said He Believed In Abortion Ban Exceptions In The Cases Of Rape, Incest, And Life Of The Mother
2021: Ciattarelli Said He Believed In Abortion Ban Exceptions In The Cases Of Rape And Incest. According to The Star Ledger, “On abortion, Ciattarelli said he believes in two exceptions. ‘I cannot look a woman in the eye who's been a victim of rape or incest and tell her that she has to carry that pregnancy to full term,’ he said.” [Star Ledger, 5/26/21]
2021 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Said He Would Not Support Policies That Forced Expectant Mothers Facing Serious Health Risks Or Death To Carry A Pregnancy To Term. According to the Rights & Freedoms Section of Jack for Governor, “My wife and I are the proud parents of four children, including one daughter. We believe in and have practiced with our family a culture that values life. As Governor, I will not, however, force a victim of rape or incest to carry a pregnancy to full term, nor will I support policies that require an expectant mother to risk her life or face serious health risks for carrying a pregnancy to term.” [Rights & Freedoms, Jack For Governor via archive.org, Archived on 6/20/21]
¶ Ciattarelli’s 2025 Platform Did Not Specify Whether He Supported Abortion Ban Exceptions
2025 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli’s Abortion Platform Did Not Mention Whether He Supported Abortion Ban Exceptions In The Cases Of Rape, Incest, And Life Of The Mother. According to the Platform section of Ciattarelli for Governor, “Jack respects that this issue evokes strong feelings from well-intentioned people on both sides of the issue, and his personal position is as follows: 1) Prohibit elective abortions after 20 weeks while ensuring all women have access to high-quality prenatal care and education; 2) Support parental notification for minors seeking an abortion - the fact that a 16-year-old in New Jersey needs her parents’ permission to get her ears pierced, but not get an abortion is absurd; 3) Oppose taxpayer funding of abortion; 4) Oppose the so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’ signed into law by Governor Murphy that allows abortion up to the moment of birth; and 5) Support education and innovative approaches to reduce teenage and unwanted pregnancies.” [Platform, Ciattarelli For Governor, Viewed 4/7/25]
¶ Ciattarelli Supported “Putting New Restrictions On Abortions”
2021: Ciattarelli Supported “Putting New Restrictions On Abortions” In New Jersey. According to Politico, “Though considered a moderate when he was in the Assembly, Ciattarelli has put forward conservative policy proposals like encouraging governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, enacting a voter ID requirement, loosening restrictions on concealed carry permits and putting new restrictions on abortions.” [Politico, 6/8/21]
Howie Klein Opinion: Klein Called Ciattarelli A “Standard-Issue Republican” That Supported Restrictions On Abortion. According to a Howie Klein opinion from Down With Tyranny, “Nevertheless, Ciattarelli isn't some kind of liberal; he's promising tax cuts, harsh immigration policies, and restrictions on abortion, among other things. In other words, he's a standard-issue Republican.” [Howie Klein Opinion – Down With Tyranny, 6/12/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Supported Parental Notification Requirements For Minors Seeking Abortion Procedures
2021: Ciattarelli Pledged To Implement A Parental Notification Requirement For Teenagers Seeking Abortion Services. According to Jack Ciattarelli on an episode of the radio show Bernie and Sid in the Morning, “And I'll tell you something else New Jerseyans don’t believe that he does. He believes that parents should not be notified if their teenage daughter is seeking an abortion. We go with our kids to get their tonsils out. You're not going to notify the parents when the teenage daughters get an abortion ?” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Bernie And Sid In The Morning, 11/2/21] (AUDIO)
2021: Ciattarelli Claimed That He Supported A Woman’s Right To An Abortion But Wanted Parental Notification Requirements For Minors. According to The Star Ledger, “Ciattarelli said he supports a woman's right to get an abortion, but minors should have to get their parent's permission first.” [Star Ledger, 10/16/21]
2021 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Supported Parental Notification For Minors Seeking An Abortion. According to the Rights & Freedoms Section of Jack for Governor, “Support parental notification for minors seeking an abortion.” [Rights & Freedoms, Jack For Governor via archive.org, Archived on 6/20/21]
¶ Ciattarelli Maintained His Support For Parental Notification In His 2025 Abortion Platform
2025 Campaign Website: Ciattarelli Supported Parental Notification For Minors Seeking An Abortion, Saying It Was “Absurd” That 16-Year-Olds Needed Their “Parents’ Permission To Get Her Ears Pierced, But Not Get An Abortion.” According to the Platform section of Ciattarelli for Governor, “Jack respects that this issue evokes strong feelings from well-intentioned people on both sides of the issue, and his personal position is as follows: 1) Prohibit elective abortions after 20 weeks while ensuring all women have access to high-quality prenatal care and education; 2) Support parental notification for minors seeking an abortion - the fact that a 16-year-old in New Jersey needs her parents’ permission to get her ears pierced, but not get an abortion is absurd; 3) Oppose taxpayer funding of abortion; 4) Oppose the so-called ‘Reproductive Freedom Act’ signed into law by Governor Murphy that allows abortion up to the moment of birth; and 5) Support education and innovative approaches to reduce teenage and unwanted pregnancies.” [Platform, Ciattarelli For Governor, Viewed 4/7/25]
¶ Ciattarelli Criticized Celebrations Of Expanded Abortion Access
2019: Ciattarelli Claimed That All People, “No Matter Where It Is That You Stand On The Abortion Issue,” Had A Problem With Celebrating Laws That Expanded Access To Abortions. According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview on Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, “HOST: You don’t feel like that’s a winner here to bring up the abortion issue as a Republican? CIATTARELLI: I think national politics and New Jersey politics are two very very different things. I know this across the board. No matter where it is that you stand on the abortion issue, you have a problem with Andrew Cuomo lighting up the Empire State Building pink to celebrate new abortion laws. We're not celebrating abortion. Should it remain legal? Yes. Should there be few? Yes. Should it be safe? Yes. But let's not be celebrating abortion. Across the board, that's what I find with people.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, 3/4/19] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Praised Republicans For Having “Dynamic” Views On Abortion While All Democrats Were Pro-Choice
2023: Ciattarelli Said The Republican Party Was More Dynamic Than The Democratic Party Because All Democrats Were Pro-Choice While Republicans Had “Different Points Of View” On Abortion. According to a Jack Ciattarelli interview with Chat Box with David Cruz, “The New Jersey GOP is the Republican Party of New Jersey. And I think that the fact that we have people all over the place on the various issues, and when I say all over the place I mean on the ideological spectrum, is good. You know, when you look at the Democratic Party, you can't find a single person that's anti-abortion. Everyone is pro-abortion. That's their right, I respect that. But when you look at the Republican Party, I see a more dynamic party in that you have people that have different points of view on many different issues.” [Jack Ciattarelli Interview – Chat Box with David Cruz, 4/15/23] (VIDEO)
¶ Ciattarelli Received A 80% Rating Or Higher From The Anti-Abortion American Conservative Union
2014: Ciattarelli Received A Rating Of 80 Percent Or Higher From The American Conservative Union, Which Rated Elected Officials On Conservative Issues Including Opposing Taxpayer Funding Of Abortions. According to a press release from The American Conservative Union, “‘On behalf of the American Conservative Union, I am pleased to announce the winners of our 2013 State Legislative Ratings for members of the New Jersey Legislature,’ said ACU Chairman Al Cardenas. ‘For 42 years, ACU has set the gold standard for Congressional ratings, and we are now able to offer that same level of transparent information to the voters of New Jersey so they can hold their elected officials accountable at the state level as well. Conservatives in the New Jersey Legislature are to be commended for opposing a laundry list of liberal bills in 2013 that weaken Second Amendment rights, give unions control over state projects and increases taxpayer funding of abortions.’ […] The winners of the ‘ACU Conservative’ award - given to those members who scored 80 percent or higher - in the Senate: Dawn Marie Addiego, Christopher Bateman, Jennifer Beck, Anthony R. Bucco, Gerald Cardinale, Christopher Connors, James Holzapfel, Thomas Kean, Jr., Joseph Kyrillos, Jr. and Samuel Thompson. ‘ACU Conservatives’ in the Assembly include: Jack Ciattarelli, Ronald Dancer, BettyLou DeCroce, Sean Kean, Alison Littell McHose, David Rible, Scott Rudder, Brian Rumpf, Holly Schepisi, Parker Space and David Wolfe.” [Press Release – American Conservative Union, 2/6/14]