New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy made headlines on Tuesday during his state of the state address, unveiling a plan to stockpile abortion medication as a preemptive measure against potential policy shifts under President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress. The move highlights the deepening divide between Democrat-led states and the incoming GOP administration, as Murphy positions New Jersey as a bulwark for what he calls “New Jersey values.”
Murphy’s announcement specifically targets preserving access to mifepristone, a key drug used in medical abortions. The governor emphasized his determination to protect reproductive rights, even as federal policies may shift under Trump’s leadership.
“I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align,” Murphy stated. “But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested.” The message was clear: cooperation where possible, resistance where necessary.
Murphy’s plan puts New Jersey among a growing number of Democrat-led states stockpiling abortion medications in response to fears that Trump’s administration could reinstate restrictions on access to abortion drugs.
Pro-choice groups have expressed particular concern over Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, and the possibility that she might revive the Comstock Act, a 19th-century law that banned mailing materials related to abortion. Although Trump has stated that he doesn’t plan to restrict access to abortion drugs, his admission that “things change” has done little to reassure abortion advocates.
Murphy’s proactive approach comes against the backdrop of a shifting national landscape for abortion rights. Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, 14 states have implemented near-total abortion bans, and three more have enacted six-week bans. While mifepristone remains legal in states like New Jersey, pro-choice advocates fear that federal action could disrupt access even in liberal strongholds.
Murphy’s speech, which was his second-to-last state of the state address, was a balancing act between defending progressive policies and seeking opportunities to work with Trump’s administration. While Murphy signaled an openness to collaboration, he also drew firm lines in the sand on issues like abortion. His rhetoric was a pointed reminder that states like New Jersey are ready to serve as counterweights to Washington on contentious issues.
Beyond the abortion debate, Murphy also rolled out other policy priorities for his final year in office. One of the more surprising proposals was a directive for schools to ban cellphones in grades K-12, an effort to reduce distractions in classrooms.
“Our children are inundated with screens,” Murphy said. “And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.” The proposal reflects Murphy’s broader focus on education and economic opportunity as he looks to cement his legacy before his term ends.
