Highlights
Christie Said Overturning Roe v. Wade Was The “Right Decision To Make For The Court.” According to Amanpour And Company’s YouTube, “ISAACSON: The Supreme Court seems like it may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. Do you think that’s going to throw the issue of abortion politics back into the political arena for the midterms and what effect will that have? CHRISTIE: Well look I think certainly it will throw the issue of abortion back into the politics of each and every state. And that’s the way I think it should be. I think that’s the right decision to make for the court if that’s the decision they ultimately reach whenever they issue it.” [YouTube, Amanpour And Company, 5/4/22]
Christie On Roe v. Wade: “It’s Not One That Was Ever Appropriately Decided. That’s Always Been My Opinion Regarding Roe And Remains My Opinion Today.” According to Amanpour & Co’s YouTube, “ISAACSON: Do you think it's a good idea in this country, though, to have wildly different laws affecting something that's pretty basic for most women, which is, you know, as you just said, New Jersey and New York have it pretty far one way. And then my state of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, totally the other, having a patchwork quilt in America? CHRISTIE: Yeah, I think that's the way America works on almost everything. And I think that when you read Justice Alito's draft opinion, at least I think he makes the right point, which is, you know, this is not an enumerated right in the Constitution and it's not one that I think was ever appropriately decided. That's always been my opinion regarding Roe and remains my opinion today. We deal with most issues in this country. As a former governor, I can tell you most really important issues in this country are done that way. For instance, let’s talk about Medicaid eligibility, Walter, you know that it's different in every state. The levels of eligibility, the levels of coverage, the breadth and width of coverage for Medicaid is different in my state of New Jersey than it is in your home state of Louisiana. And that's providing people who are underprivileged, economically challenged, the basic health care that they need. That's certainly an extraordinarily important issue. And we deal with that differently in every state, depending upon the population that state the conditions of that state and what the norms are in that state. We do that on hundreds and hundreds of issues, and I don't think it creates a problem.” [YouTube, Amanpour And Company, 5/4/22]
Christie Said “The States Should Be Making Those Decisions” When Asked On A National Abortion Ban. According to the Washington Post, “At least one possible Republican presidential candidate, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, said he opposes any kind of national ban on abortion. ‘The states should be making those decisions, and the federal government should stay out of it,’ he said.” [Washington Post, 5/2/22]
Christie Was Working Anti-Abortion Groups To Coordinate Efforts To Ban Abortion In Dozens Of States. According to Axios, “The president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America told Axios on Friday that in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade, her group will work to ban abortion ‘in every state and in every legislature, including the Congress.’ What they're saying: ‘It’s the culmination of almost 50 years of work,’ Marjorie Dannenfelser said. ‘Everyone erupted with joy’ at her office upon learning of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, paving the way for states to prohibit women from terminating pregnancies at any stage for any reason, and criminalizing acts by providers or others who seek to help those women. Dannenfelser called the ruling ‘a restoration of what authentic feminism is.’ The big picture: Dannenfelser said she's working with governors and state legislatures in dozens of states. As we spoke, she said she was getting a call from former Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has been working with her to coordinate efforts.” [Axios, 6/24/22]
In 1994, Christie Called Himself “Pro-Choice” And Acknowledged Making A Personal Donation To Planned Parenthood. According to the Daily Caller, “While running to be a Morris County freeholder in 1994, Christie admitted that he donated money to Planned Parenthood. He made the comments while speaking out against restoring county funding for the organization. ‘I support Planned Parenthood privately with my personal contribution and that should be the goal of any such agency, to find private donations,’ Christie said, adding: ‘It’s also no secret that I am pro-choice.’” [Daily Caller, 5/21/12]
Real Clear Politics: In 1995, Christie “Trumpeted His Support For Legalized Abortion In Public Appearances And Campaign Literature.” According to Real Clear Politics, “Rodney Frelinghuysen, who in 1995 had recently won a seat in Congress after representing the 25th District in the General Assembly for more than a decade, was something of a model for Christie in projecting an abortion-rights stance. Thus, when campaigning for Republican votes across the district in early 1995, Christie trumpeted his support for legalized abortion in public appearances and campaign literature, a strategy that seemed politically sound at the time.” [Real Clear Politics, 11/13/13]
1996 Bergen Record Article Described Christie Calling Himself “Pro-Choice.” According to the Real Clear Politics, ‘During that 2009 primary campaign, Lonegan tried to attack Christie on the abortion issue. Citing a 1996 Bergen Record article that quoted Christie describing himself as ‘pro-choice,’ he accused the front-runner of having given inconsistent answers on when and how he had shifted on the issue.’ [Real Clear Politics, 11/13/13]
In 1996, Christie Urged Congress To Override Clinton Veto “Partial Birth” Abortion Ban Despite Identifying As “Pro-Choice.” According to the Daily Beast, ‘In 1996, while serving as a Morris County freeholder—a New Jersey-specific local position similar to that of a city councilperson—Christie was urging Congress to override President Bill Clinton’s veto of a bill to ban ‘partial birth’ abortions, which he said ‘offended me and my sensibilities. When you take a position on choice, you don’t have that in mind… I’m pro-choice, but I think this procedure is reprehensible.’’ [Daily Beast, 2/2/15]
Christie Said He Changed His Position On Abortion Rights After His Wife Became Pregnant With Their Daughter. According to the Gloucester County Times, “Christie told the crowd that he has not always been anti-abortion. It wasn’t until his wife Mary Pat Christie became pregnant with their daughter Sarah, who is 14, that he changed his position. ‘It was at that moment that it became clear to me that being on the sidelines on that issue was not something that I could live with,’ Christie said. ‘That child is a life which deserves protection.’” [Gloucester County Times, 1/25/11]
Video: Christie Said He Was “The First Pro-Life Governor” Of New Jersey Elected Since Roe v. Wade. At a press conference at the Southern Research Institute Chris Christie said, “Folks believe that when you’re a Republican from New Jersey that somehow you’re not going to be conservative. I think that’s the biggest thing that folks in Alabama as they get to know me better will understand. That I’m the first pro-life governor to be elected since Roe v. Wade in New Jersey.” [Chris Christie, Southern Research Institute, 8/13/14]
Christie Spoke About How His Pro Life Position Affected All Of His Policies. According to Politico, ‘‘I believe if you’re pro-life, as I am, you need to be pro-life for the whole life,’ Christie said. ‘You can’t just afford to be pro-life when a human being is in the womb. You have to be pro-life after … Sometimes being pro-life is messy, sometimes it’s difficult. Because human beings make bad choices, we are flawed. And I doubt that there’s one person in this audience who hasn’t made a bad choice, or a bad decision in your life.’’ [Politico, 6/20/14]
Video: Christie Said He Campaigned As Pro-Life Even After Being Warned He Would Not Be Elected. At a Faith and Freedom Coalition Road to Majority event Chris Christie said, “And they asked me where I stood on the issue of life, and I said I’m pro-life. And they said to me, you know, there’s never been a pro-life candidate elected statewide in New Jersey since Roe v. Wade, and we don’t believe that one can be elected, so you need to think about this issue. And I said to them, I already have. I have thought about the issue, and this is my position. And what we did in the campaign is to speak very frankly to people about the sanctity of life, and how I believe that every life is a gift from God that’s precious and must be protected.” [Chris Christie, Faith and Freedom Coalition Road to Majority Event, 6/20/14]
The Record: Christie Had An “Unprecedented Anti-Abortion Position For A New Jersey Governor.” According to the Record, “Ironically, Christie has staked an unprecedented antiabortion position for a New Jersey governor. He was the first governor to oppose abortion rights since the Supreme Court’s 1972 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing most abortions. In January 2011, Christie attended a State House rally on that decision’s anniversary, declaring ‘every life is precious and a gift from God.’ He also cut $7.5 million for family planning clinics, including some run by Planned Parenthood. These positions have never hurt Christie politically, but his critics have never attacked him in a concerted advertising blitz, either.” [The Record (NJ), 10/24/12]
Christie Discussed How He Was Anti-Abortion Because “Every Life Is A Gift From God.” According to Politico, ‘‘What we did in the campaign was speak very frankly to people about the sanctity of life,’ he said. ‘How I believe that every life is a gift from God that’s precious, that must be protected…[voters] had a right to know what was in my heart. Because when you know what’s in someone’s heart, you have a window into how they will lead.’’ [Politico, 6/20/14]
Video: Christie: “I Am Pro-Life. That’s Who I Am.” During an interview with WMTR, Christie said, “Listen, I oppose gay marriage and I would veto it if it came to my desk. I’m pro-life on the question of abortion, with exception to rape and … the mother. I am pro-life. That’s who I am. And I’m more than happy to have those conversations.” [WMTR Interview, 2009]
Video: Christie Said That “Protecting The Sanctity Of Human Life” Was An Important Issue. During an interview with Sean Hannity, Chris Christie said, “HANNITY: Where are you on some of the social issues? CHRISTIE: Pro-life. I’m pro-life and I believe that protecting the sanctity of human life is one of those things that are very important.” [Chris Christie, Sean Hannity Interview, 5/18/09]
In 2011, Christie Spoke to An Anti-Abortion Group During A Rally At The Statehouse. According to the Asbury Park Press, “After watching Gov. Chris Christie try to burnish a reputation as a fiscal conservative, political analysts said the New Jersey governor on Monday significantly broadened his national credentials as a social conservative by joining abortion protesters at a rally and encouraging them to ‘stand up and speak strongly in favor for the protection of every human life.’ Christie spoke to the crowd from the top step outside the Statehouse, with the temperatures in the teens and the governor not in a topcoat. But there were other reasons why the five-minute speech was unusual.” [Asbury Park Press, 1/24/11]
Christie Told The Protesters He Was An “Ally.” According to the Associated Press, ‘Gov. Chris Christie told anti-abortion activists gathered on the Statehouse steps Monday that they have an ally in him. ‘You will know that you have someone sitting in that office who understands this issue, who appreciates it. You have today and you have for the rest of my life an ally,’ the Republican told a crowd of a hundred or so shivering activists who came out despite temperatures in the teens.’ [Associated Press, 1/24/11]
Christie Said Congress Should “Take Swift Action” On “The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Which Would Protect Unborn Children Beginning At 20 Weeks.” According to a press release by the Susan B. Anthony List, “I also know that there are areas where all Americans – regardless of being pro-life or pro-choice – can come together. One proposal that brings Americans together is the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would protect unborn children beginning at 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy, based on their ability to feel pain. America is one of just seven countries that permits elective abortions past this point. We can do far better than this. I urge Congress to take swift action on this important issue.” [Press Release – Susan B. Anthony List, 3/30/15]
Christie Supported A Parental Notification Law. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Asked about the issue Friday, he emphasized that the economy would be his primary focus, especially at the outset, but he reiterated his support for parental-notification laws. Asked whether it was an issue he might press in his first term, Christie said, ‘Well, sure.’ ‘I don’t think that my 14-year-old daughter, who I have to sign a permission slip for to be able to take Claritin . . . on the same day should be able to walk eight or nine blocks from her school to the Planned Parenthood clinic to get an abortion without me knowing about it.’” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/17/10]
Video: In 2009, Christie Said He Supported Requiring Parental Notification For Minors Getting Abortions. At an event in Paterson, Chris Christie said, “QUESTIONER: Would you support parental notification for minors? CHRISTIE: Yes.” [Chris Christie, Paterson, 7/15/09]
Christie Called The Debate On Access To Contraception “A Silly Issue For Us To Be Spending Time On.” According to the Associated Press, ‘When a questioner asked him about the focus by Republican candidates on contraception issues, Christie said too much time has been spent talking about it. Christie said women need to have access to affordable contraception. He added that some issues, such as whether Catholic organizations should be required to cover birth control costs for their employees, should be addressed. But he called the overall debate ‘a silly issue for us to be spending time on’ when there are other, more pressing economic and security issues facing the nation.’ [Associated Press, 3/19/12]
February 2012: Christie Would Not Take A Stand On The Contraception Mandate. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, “Christie said the national debate over whether faith-based institutions should have to cover the cost of contraception for employees a distraction. ‘I don’t have any problem with people using contraception. I think it’s a personal choice,’ he said, adding later: ‘I think we should get on to other issues at this point.’” [Newark Star-Ledger, 2/22/12]
July 2014: Christie Declined To Give An Opinion On Hobby Lobby. According to the Star-Ledger, “Gov. Chris Christie declined to give an opinion this morning on the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial ruling allowing some religious-leaning companies to avoid paying for insurance coverage for contraception under President Obama’s health care overhaul.” [Newark Star-Ledger, 7/1/14]
Christie Questioned Why He Would Give An Opinion On The Hobby Lobby Case. According to the Star-Ledger, “The point is: Why should I give an opinion as to whether they were right or wrong?’ he continued. ‘At the end of the day, they did what they did. That’s now the law of the land.’” [Newark Star-Ledger, 7/1/14]
Christie Said People Upset With The Hobby Lobby Decision Had To “Live With It.” . According to the Star-Ledger, “‘Who knows if the Supreme Court right?’ the Republican governor and potential 2016 presidential candidate said during an appearance on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box.’ ‘When you’re an executive, your Supreme Court makes a ruling and you’ve got to live with it unless you can get the legislative body to change the law or change the Constitution.’” [Newark Star-Ledger, 7/1/14]
Christie Said There Were More Important Things To Discuss Than The Hobby Lobby Case. According to the Star-Ledger, ‘‘This is the way that you get bogged down in those things,’ he said. ‘You know what? I don’t think that’s the most central issue that we need to talk about this morning when you look at the challenges that face our country.’” [Star-Ledger, 7/1/14]
Video: Christie Supported The Supreme Court’s Decision In Hobby Lobby Case. At a restaurant in Marion, Iowa Chris Christie said, “QUESTIONER: Do you support the Supreme Court Decision on the Hobby Lobby case? CHRISTIE: Do I support the Supreme Court decision on the Hobby Lobby case? I do. QUESTIONER: Do you support Hobby Lobby’s position on birth control for its employees? CHRISTIE: Well, I just said I support the case, so if I support the case then I support Lobby.” [Chris Christie, Marion, 7/17/14]
Christie Stated His Support For The Hobby Lobby Decision. According to USA Today, “As Christie made his way through the crowd, one man asked him if he backs the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing Hobby Lobby to restrict its offering of contraception insurance coverage. ‘Do I support the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby case? I do,’ Christie said, according to a video posted Thursday evening by Democratic super PAC American Bridge on its YouTube channel.” [USA Today, 7/18/14]
Christie Was Not Concerned About The Effect Hobby Lobby Case Would Have On Birth Control. According to Politico, “Republicans interviewed at the National Governors Association summer meeting here this weekend described the high court ruling exempting some religious owners of for-profit businesses from the Obamacare contraceptive coverage requirement as a welcome brake on President Barack Obama and his intrusive health law. And they didn’t see it causing problems. ‘No,’ said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie when asked if he was concerned that some New Jersey women could lose birth control coverage. Asked why not, he added, ‘Because I’m not.’” [Politico, 7/13/14]
President Of New Jersey’s Chapter Of NOW Said Christie Had “Single Handedly Defunded Planned Parenthood.” According to Bloomberg News, “Deb Huber, acting president of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization for Women, said that the governor ‘single-handedly defunded Planned Parenthood in New Jersey.’ ‘He doesn’t brag about it in those terms, but wait until he runs for president,’ she said. ‘You may hear those words coming out of his mouth.’” [Bloomberg News, 7/28/14]
In His First Budget, Christie Proposed To Eliminate $7.5 Million In State Funding For Family Planning Centers, Which Represented “All Of Their State Funding.” According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Family-planning centers that largely serve low-income women would lose all of their state funding - $7.5 million - under the budget Gov. Christie proposed Tuesday.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/18/10]
PolitiFact Rated The Claim That Christie Vetoed Funding For Planned Parenthood Five Times “Mostly True.” According to PolitiFact, “Rosen said Christie ‘vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five times over the course of his governorship.’ Rosen is largely correct, though different people might come to a different figure. We rate her claim Mostly True.” [PolitiFact, 11/10/13]
Newark Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie’s Decision “To Totally De-Fund The State’s 58 Planning Centers” Contained “An Ideological Message.” According to an editorial in the Star-Ledger, “Once again, Gov. Chris Christie ducks behind the mantra of financial responsibility. He insists his decision to reject a bill that would have provided family planning services to thousands of uninsured women by expanding the Medicaid program was simply a matter of money. It wasn’t, of course. The services wouldn’t have cost the state any extra dollars because Democratic legislators found a way to cover the cost with federal money. But Christie was unmoved by that argument. Lurking behind his decision to totally de-fund the state’s 58 family planning centers was an ideological message.” [Editorial – Newark Star-Ledger, 2/6/11]
Video: Christie Bragged That He Had Vetoed Planned Parenthood Funding Five Times. At a press conference at the Southern Research Institute Chris Christie said, “Folks believe that when you’re a republican from New Jersey that somehow you’re not going to be conservative. I think that’s the biggest thing that folks in Alabama as they get to know me better will understand. That I’m the first pro-life governor to be elected since roe v. wade in New Jersey, that we’ve vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five different times.” [Chris Christie, Southern Research Institute, 8/13/14]
Newark Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie’s Funding Cuts For Family Planning Services Was “About Ideology.” According to a staff editorial in the Newark Star-Ledger, ‘Gov. Chris Christie cut funding for a program that provides family planning services to low-income women, saying it costs too much money. But really, this is about ideology. Christie has dodged questions as to whether his opposition to abortion is among the reasons for eliminating funding for the state’s 58 family-planning centers. Yet the abortion issue looms large for his conservative supporters.’ [Editorial – Newark Star-Ledger, 7/2/10]
Christie Used Executive Authority To Cut $7.5 Million For Family Planning Clinics From The FY 2015 Budget. According to Asbury Park Press, “Christie deleted $7.5 million that Democrats had added for family planning clinics, $5 million for Legal Services of New Jersey, $3.5 million for a FamilyCare and Medicaid enrollment campaign, $3 million for charter schools, $3 million for library aid and $2.4 million for a mental health care pilot program for children, among other cuts.” [Asbury Park Press, 7/1/14]
FY 2014 Budget Agreement Did Not Restore Christie’s $7.5 Million Cut To Family Planning Organizations. According to the Star-Ledger, ‘Pou said the budget fails to provide additional funding for pre-school programs, and does not restore a $7.5 million cut for family planning organizations like Planned Parenthood. ‘The fact is that this budget once again ignores things that are so very much needed,’ Pou said. ‘We are spending money unnecessarily in a special election but can’t come up with money for women’s services.’’ [Star-Ledger, 6/20/13]
June 2014: Christie Signed Budget That Included Cuts To Family Planning Clinics. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Gov. Chris Christie signed a $32.5 billion budget Monday that dramatically slashed a pension payment for public-sector workers and vetoed tax increases passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature on incomes and businesses. […] Mr. Christie’s budget was slightly smaller than the $34.1 billion fiscal plan that the Legislature sent him Friday, and included reduced spending for family-planning services and tax credits for working families.” [Wall Street Journal, 6/30/14]
In June 2012, Christie Vetoed Attempt To Restore $7.5 Million In Funding For Family Planning Services. According to the Asbury Park Press, “Christie also vetoed bills that would have given municipalities two additional years to spend affordable housing trust funds before they revert to the state; immediately reversed a reduction made in 2010 to the earned income tax credit for the working poor; gradually provided municipalities a $331 million increase in energy-tax aid; spent $7.5 million more on family planning services; provided $10 million for a flood mitigation project in Garfield; and let towns spend trust funds to convert foreclosed homes into affordable housing.” [Asbury Park Press, 6/30/12]
In June 2011, Christie Vetoed $7.5 Million For Family-Planning Clinics In The FY 2012 Budget. According to the Home News Tribune, “Christie axed $50 million Democrats added to help cities and towns hire police officers and firefighters, $7.5 million added for family-planning services and $3 million restored for New Jersey After 3 after-school programs. He deleted $7 million for AIDS drug distribution and reinstated the elimination of funding to Urban Enterprise Zones. (The zones’ reduced sales tax rate is unchanged.)” [Home News Tribune, 6/30/11]
Christie’s Proposed FY 2011 Budget Cut $7.5 Million From Family Planning Centers. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Family-planning centers that largely serve low-income women would lose all of their state funding - $7.5 million - under the budget Gov. Christie proposed Tuesday.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/18/10]
Newark Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie’s Proposed Budget “Wipes Out All State Funding - $7.5 Million Last Year – For Family Planning Services.” According to an editorial in the Newark Star-Ledger, “The governor's proposed budget wipes out all state funding -- $7.5 million last year -- for family planning services.” [Editorial- Newark Star-Ledger, 4/8/10]
New Jersey’s Final FY 2011 Budget Did Not Include $7.5 Million For Funding Family Planning Clinics. According to the Herald News, “Governor Christie and state lawmakers on Monday night announced a $29.4 billion budget compromise that softens some cuts affecting the poor, the disabled and students while keeping the governor's first budget largely unchanged. […] Not part of the deal was $7.5 million Christie cut that would support 58 family planning clinics.” [Herald News, 6/22/10]
In A Separate Bill, State Senate Restored $7.5 Million In Funding For Family Planning Clinics For FY 2011. According to the South Jersey Times, “Democrats who run the Legislature conceded Gov. Chris Christie got just about everything he asked for in his $29.4 billion budget, but they drew the line at two programs that affect thousands of uninsured people. By a veto-proof 30-10 margin, the Senate approved a bill that would put back $7.5 million to support family planning clinics.” [South Jersey Times, 6/28/10]
Christie Vetoed Legislation Restoring $7.5 Million In State Funding To Family Planning Services To FY 2011 Budget. According to the Associated Press, “Women’s health care advocates pressed the governor to put back $7.5 million in state funding for 58 family planning centers around the state. Christie’s budget eliminated all state funding for the centers, about a quarter of their total budgets. The clinics also get money from the federal government and private sources. Sen. Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Linda Stender said the money to pay for the restoration could come from overbudgeted employee prescription drug program. Christie, however, questioned the legitimacy of the funding source. ‘It’s a sad day when the governor of the State of New Jersey decides to put political ideology ahead of the health and safety of women and men across the Garden State,’ Weinberg said.” [Associated Press, 7/23/10]
Christie Vetoed A Bill That Restored $7.5 Million In Funding For Family Planning Clinics. According to NJ.com, “Saying ‘the state simply cannot fund every worthy program,’ Gov. Chris Christie today vetoed a bill that would have restored $7.5 million for family planning clinics that provide birth control and health screenings to thousands of uninsured women.” [NJ.com, 7/24/10]
State Senate Failed To Override Christie’s Veto Of Family Planning Clinics By Four Votes. According to the Asbury Park Press, “The state Senate fell four votes short Monday in its effort to override Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of $7.5 million for family planning clinics, after seven Republicans who backed the bill in June voted against it. Democratic sponsors of the bill said they would pursue new legislation that trims the appropriation to $5 million and transfers $5 million from an account intended to pay counties for housing state prisoners.” [Asbury Park Press, 9/20/10]
Between 2010 And 2014, Christie’s Funding Cuts Caused Six Health Centers In New Jersey To Close. According to Bloomberg News, “Chris Christie, who last week prodded Republicans to drop anti-abortion rhetoric to appeal to more voters, has steadily weakened access to the procedure in New Jersey. Even with a Democratic-controlled legislature committed to reproductive rights, the second-term governor’s annual funding cuts for women’s health services have prompted at least six clinics to close since 2010, according to lawmakers.” [Bloomberg News, 7/28/14]
After Christie’s Budget Cuts, Six Of New Jersey’s 58 Family Planning Centers Shut Down. According to the Asbury Park Press, “From June 2010 to June 2011, Planned Parenthood and similar providers statewide saw 16,340 fewer visits to their centers, Planned Parenthood of New Jersey’s statewide coordinator Michele Jaker said. She said there were 81,978 visits the center from June 2009 to June 2010. That number was down 20 percent just one year later, to 65,638. ‘To date, six of 58 family planning health centers have closed so far as a result of the state cut,’ Jaker said. Two of those centers affiliated with Planned Parenthood closed in Dover and Cherry Hill last year.” [Asbury Park Press, 10/18/11]
By November 2011, Five Family-Planning Clinics In New Jersey Had Closed After Christie Eliminated State Funding. According to the Gloucester County Times, “Five of the 58 family-planning clinics in the state have closed since Gov. Chris Christie eliminated $7.5 million in grants when the fiscal year began July 1. Most are run by Planned Parenthood. Christie does not support abortion rights, but said his decision was driven by the need to help plug a huge budget gap. He said women could find other sources of low-cost birth control and health screenings. None of the grant money directly paid for abortions.” [Gloucester County Times, 1/16/11]
In September 2010, Planned Parenthood Closed A Facility As A Result Of The Budget Cuts. According to the Courier Post, “Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey has closed a family planning clinic here due to a cutback in state funding. The funding was pulled after legislators on Monday failed to override Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of a measure meant to provide $7.5 million for family planning clinics.” [Courier Post, 9/22/10]
In 2010, 900 Fewer Patients Received Family Planning Services In Union County Because Of Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In Union County, the Elizabeth health center served over 900 fewer patients in 2010 than they did in 2009 due to staff reductions and restructuring.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2010, Planned Parenthood’s Plainfield Health Center Saw 300 Fewer Patients Because Of Budget Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In Union County, the Elizabeth health center served over 900 fewer patients in 2010 than they did in 2009 due to staff reductions and restructuring. The Plainfield health center served over 300 fewer patients for the same reasons.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, Planned Parenthood Saw 16,340 Fewer Visitors Annually After Christie’s Cuts. According to Asbury Park Press, “Planned Parenthood of New Jersey - and other medical providers including non-profits, local health departments and hospital-based clinics - relied on that funding for their own operating budgets. The line was never restored in subsequent budgets, and Planned Parenthood officials said losing the funding has caused the shuttering of several offices. From June 2010 to June 2011, Planned Parenthood and similar providers statewide saw 16,340 fewer visits to their centers, Planned Parenthood of New Jersey’s statewide coordinator Michele Jaker said. She said there were 81,978 visits the center from June 2009 to June 2010. That number was down 20 percent just one year later, to 65,638.” [Asbury Park Press, 10/18/11]
In 2011, A Family Planning Clinic In Somerset County Saw 650 Fewer Patients Because Of Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “Women’s Health and Counseling in Somerset County saw 650 fewer patients and had 1,952 fewer appointments in 2011 as a result of cutbacks. Reduced appointment capacity has had a detrimental impact on the number of CEED patients the health center sees – thereby limiting access to all cancer screenings.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, A Family Planning Clinic In Ocean County Saw 650 Fewer Patients After Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “The Family Planning Center of Ocean County saw 650 fewer patients in 2011. The agency has reduced staff, reduced evening hours and eliminated Saturday morning hours. Wait times for new patient appointments have increased from 2-3 days to approximately 2 weeks.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, 1,400 Fewer Patients Had Access To Family Planning Services In Cumberland County After Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In Cumberland County, FamCare estimates that they saw approximately 1,400 fewer patients in 2011. Their Millville site closed effective December 31, 2010 and they reduced days of service at their Bridgeton site from three to two days per week.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, Planned Parenthood Of Central And Greater Northern New Jersey Saw 8,000 Fewer Patients Because Of Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “Patient volume was down over the entire affiliate nearly 10% in 2010 over 2009 due to staff reductions and restructuring, and the trend continued in 2011 with all health centers seeing more than 8,000 fewer patients across the affiliate. PPCGNNJ was forced to cut hours, staff and services at all health centers.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, Planned Parenthood Of Southern New Jersey Saw 500 Fewer Patients Due To Budget Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey saw 500 fewer patients in 2011. […] The agency’s headquarters in the city of Camden provides services in one of the poorest and most dangerous communities in the state.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2011, Planned Parenthood’s Clinics In Mercer County Saw 17% Fewer Patients Due To Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In Mercer County, health centers operated by Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer Area in Trenton, Hamilton and on the campus of The College of New Jersey reduced hours. As a result, the health centers were able to see 17% fewer family planning patients in 2011 than 2010.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2012, The Number Of Family Planning Patients In New Jersey Dropped 24%. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In 2012, New Jersey’s family planning providers saw at least 33,000 fewer patients compared with 2009—a 24% drop in patients served.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
In 2012, 33,000 Fewer Patients Received Family Planning Services In New Jersey. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In 2012, New Jersey’s family planning providers saw at least 33,000 fewer patients compared with 2009—a 24% drop in patients served. Some patients may have lost services immediately because their health center closed and they did not have access to other providers. Others have experienced longer wait times for appointments or have had to pay more out of pocket.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
After Family Planning Funding Was Cut, Access To Cancer Screenings In Somerset County Was Limited. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “Women’s Health and Counseling in Somerset County saw 650 fewer patients and had 1,952 fewer appointments in 2011 as a result of cutbacks. Reduced appointment capacity has had a detrimental impact on the number of CEED patients the health center sees – thereby limiting access to all cancer screenings. Safety net health services in Somerset are particularly scarce, as the county does not have any Federally Qualified Health Centers.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
At The End Of 2010, Planned Parenthood Of Metropolitan New Jersey Stopped Offering Prenatal Services At Paterson Health Center Due To Funding Cuts. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey stopped offering prenatal services at its Paterson health center in Passaic County at the end of 2010. Planned Parenthood started offering prenatal services at the end of 2008 when Barnert Hospital closed and the state Department of Health asked Planned Parenthood to provide prenatal care to address the gap in access to prenatal care. The hospital previously provided services to 1,500 patients annually. At that time, the state was particularly concerned about a recent report ranking New Jersey as 40th in the nation in the percentage of women who received prenatal care in the first three months of pregnancy.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
After Funding Cuts, Planned Parenthood Was Unable To Provide Cancer Screenings For Women With Abnormal Pap Smears In Atlantic County. According to Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, “In Atlantic County, patients have experienced longer wait times and the agency has been unable to implement some important women’s health care services, such as colposcopy for women who have experienced abnormal pap tests.” [Planned Parenthood Action New Jersey, accessed 4/14/15]
Daily Record Editorial: Family Planning Funding Would Have Gone Towards Breast Cancer Screening, Prenatal Care And Pap Tests. According to a staff editorial in the Daily Record, ‘The state Senate earlier this year added $7.5 million for family planning clinics to the state budget. Democrats control the Senate, but the measure passed with seven Republican votes. This would have been money for a variety of health services for uninsured women, including breast cancer screening, prenatal care and pap tests. None of the services would have included abortion. But given the fact many family planning clinics back a woman’s right to have an abortion, that was reason enough for some Republicans to oppose the idea.’ [Editorial – Daily Record, 9/23/10]
Christie Traditionally Offered Duplicative Spending As Reason For Planned Parenthood Cuts In Budget. According to WNYC, ‘Just in time for the 2016 Republican primaries, Gov. Christie is changing his explanation for a controversial policy decision he made as governor. In 2010 Christie vetoed $7.5 million in funding for family planning clinics, including Planned Parenthood, saying the money was duplicative and the state couldn’t afford it. He went on to issue similar vetoes four more times, prompting six clinics to close and cut back hours while triggering a reduction in the number of HIV tests, breast exams and other clinical services given to women who visit the centers. The $7.5 million was a long-standing item in the state budget, and the funds were eligible for a 9-to-1 match if the women who used the clinics qualified for Medicaid. Over the years Christie was repeatedly asked about the vetoes and he repeatedly cited that this was a financial decision and not one based on his pro-life beliefs. The veto statements never mentioned abortion -- just money.’ [WNYC, 2/26/15]
Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie Was “Flat-Out Lying” About His Reasons For Vetoing Planned Parenthood Funding, He Admitted It Was For Ideological Reasons To Conservative CPAC Audience. According to an editorial by the Newark Star-Ledger, ‘It was interesting to hear Gov. Chris Christie finally admit he was flat-out lying about his reasons for vetoing funding to Planned Parenthood, as many charged at the time. It happened when he was bragging about his pro-life credentials at the annual CPAC conference attended by conservatives, a chance to woo the party’s base. ‘I’m pro-life, I ran as a pro-life candidate in 2009 unapologetically, spoke at the pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- the first governor to ever speak at a pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- and vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five times out of the New Jersey budget,’ Christie said, winning applause from the audience.’ [Editorial – Newark Star-Ledger, 3/2/15]
At CPAC, Christie Said That Reason For Planned Parenthood Funding Veto Was His Pro-Life Views. According to WNYC, “But on Thursday, Christie’s explanation changed. Speaking to the conservative CPAC conference -- an important pit stop for potential Republican presidential candidates wooing the conservative base -- Christie was asked to prove his pro-life bonafides. ‘I’m pro-life, I ran as a pro-life candidate in 2009 unapologetically, spoke at the pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- the first governor to ever speak at a pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- and vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five times out of the New Jersey budget,’ he said. ‘Yeah!’ responded his questioner, talk radio host Laura Ingraham. The audience applauded.” [WNYC, 2/26/15]
In 2013, Christie Said That Family Planning Funding For Planned Parenthood Because Women’s Health Had Funding Through Other Means. According to WNYC, “Back in New Jersey, vetoing Planned Parenthood funding was most assuredly not an example of his ‘strong and resolute’ pro-life record. In fact, the $7.5 million annual funds weren’t even to be used to perform abortions. As Christie told NJTV’s Michael Aron in 2013, when he was running for reelection in largely pro-choice New Jersey, this was solely about saving cash. […] Christie’s explanation at the time was that money to the family planning clinics wasn’t necessary because he was generously funding women’s health through other means. In 2013 he cited a $10 million increase in reimbursements so Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, could treat the uninsured. At that point 31,000 fewer females were going to family-planning centers every year due to this vetoes -- a 28 percent drop -- but the number of women served by FQHCs had gone up by 50,000.” [WNYC, 2/26/15]
At CPAC 2015, Christie Bragged About Vetoing Planned Parenthood Funding Five Times. According to WNYC, “But on Thursday, Christie’s explanation changed. Speaking to the conservative CPAC conference -- an important pit stop for potential Republican presidential candidates wooing the conservative base -- Christie was asked to prove his pro-life bonafides. ‘I’m pro-life, I ran as a pro-life candidate in 2009 unapologetically, spoke at the pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- the first governor to ever speak at a pro-life rally on the steps of the Statehouse -- and vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five times out of the New Jersey budget,’ he said. ‘Yeah!’ responded his questioner, talk radio host Laura Ingraham. The audience applauded.” [WNYC, 2/26/15]
Christie Said Family Planning Was One Of Many “Worthy Programs Eliminated.” According to the Jersey Journal, “The bill, S-2139, was introduced in June to restore the $7.5 million to 58 state clinics by reallocating funds from the State Employee’s Prescription Drug Program account. It would have also extended New Jersey’s Medicaid coverage to include family planning services. In his veto message, Christie said that family planning was one of many ‘worthy programs eliminated’ and referred those in need to federally qualified health centers.” [Jersey Journal, 8/24/10]
Christie Said Low-Income Women Could Find Family Planning Services At Other Clinics. According to the Gloucester County Times, “The women urged Christie Friday to sign a bill to restore the grant shared by 58 family planning clinics in the state. The clinics provided 136,000 uninsured people with health screenings and birth control last year. The bill also requires the state to submit an application to obtain $9 in federal funds for every $1 New Jersey spends on family planning services for women earning between $29,547 and $44,100 a year, slightly higher than Medicaid typically allows. Christie said he needed to make many cuts to close a budget deficit, and he chose this one because he believes uninsured women can find similar services at other clinics.” [Gloucester County Times, 7/3/10]
New Jersey Right To Life Praised Christie For Eliminating Family Planning Funding In His 2011 Budget. According to a New Jersey Right To Life press release obtained via Christian Newswire, “Yesterday, NJ’s newly elected Governor Chris Christie delivered his budget address and submitted a proposed budget. In his proposal, he took the necessary and decisive steps to try to address an $11B deficit and reduce state spending and reform state government. One of the programs he proposed eliminating was funding for family planning in the FY ‘11 state budget […] We thank Governor Christie for wisely proposing the elimination of funding family planning as part of a solution to reduce state spending and reform government. We urge him to stand firm and line item veto any funding for family planning from the budget when it reaches his desk if Democrat leaders try to restore it back into the budget.” [New Jersey Right To Life Press Release, 3/17/10]
In June 2010, Christie Administration Withdrew The State’s Application To Extend Medicaid Coverage For Family Planning. According to the Associated Press, “The Department of Human Services has withdrawn the state’s application to extend Medicaid coverage for family planning. The federal government reimburses states for the services at the rate of 90 percent. But in order to qualify for the funding, New Jersey would have to expand Medicaid coverage for family planning to those with incomes of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.” [Associated Press, 6/23/10]
In February 2011, Christie Vetoed A Bill Expanding Medicaid Eligibility For Family-Planning Services, Saying It Would “Undermine The Budget Process.” According to the Home News Tribune, “Governor Chris Christie vetoed another effort by the state Legislature to allocate money for more access to health care for underprivileged women, a move that one Democrat said was driven more by ideology than fiscal concerns. The bill called for New Jersey to allocate a little more than $1 million to help expand Medicaid eligibility for family-planning services to people with incomes between 133 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That money, which would have been spent at health clinics throughout the state, would have been matched by federal dollars at a 9-to-1 ratio, said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen. Christie, in his veto letter, said the bill would ‘undermine the budget process.’” [Home News Tribune, 2/3/11]
August 2010: Anti-Abortion Group Asked Christie To Approve License Plates That Say “Choose Life.” According to the Gloucester County Times, “An anti-abortion group that has waged a seven-year court fight against the state for refusing to produce license plates that say ‘Choose Life’ Monday made a direct appeal to Gov. Chris Christie. Leaders of Children First Foundation said the governor, who opposes abortion, can end the legal fight with a phone call. ‘We are asking Gov. Christie to ask...(Motor Vehicles Commission chief administrator) Ray Martinez to approve our plate without further delay,’ said Elizabeth Rex, the group’s president.” [Gloucester County Times, 8/10/10]
December 2010: New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission Unilaterally Decided To Allow “Choose Life” Plates To Be Sold In The State. According to the Associated Press, “New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission spokesman Mike Horan said officials decided to allow the plates because they wanted to avoid further legal expenses. He said the decision was made unilaterally by state officials, not as part of a settlement with the plate's sponsors. The ‘Choose Life’ plates went on sale Dec. 3. Horan said none had been sold by Friday morning. Orders would come through the foundation, which would get $25 per plate. The organizational tags are part of a broad system of plates in New Jersey.” [Associated Press, 12/11/10]
Press Of Atlantic City Editorial: Christie Administration “Has Quietly Dropped The Case And Begun Offering The Plates.” According to an editorial in the the Press of Atlantic City, “But the Children First Foundation persisted in the courts, which have kept the issue alive over the question of whether messages on license plates are government speech or private speech. And rather than continue fighting, Gov. Chris Christie's administration has quietly dropped the case and begun offering the plates, which have a drawing of two children over the words ‘Choose life.’ The address of a website –‘Fund-Adoption.org’ – is across the bottom of the plates. [Editorial – Press Of Atlantic City, 12/15/10]
Press Of Atlantic City Editorial: “After A Seven-Year Legal Battle, The State Has Decided To Stop Fighting And To Offer “Choose Life” License Plates.” According to an editorial in the Press of Atlantic City, “After a seven-year legal battle, the state has decided to stop fighting and to offer ‘Choose life’ license plates. The Children First Foundation has been trying to get the plates approved since 2003, when then Motor Vehicle Administrator Diane Legreide turned down the request, saying the state should not allow political slogans on the dozens of specialty license plates it offers.” [Editorial – Press Of Atlantic City, 12/15/10]