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AJR 160

Designates third full week in April of each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Quijano

Designates the 3rd full week of April as Infertility Awareness Week in New Jersey and requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation, effective immediately.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 160

AJR 160 Summary

Overview

  • Type: Joint Resolution
  • Title: Designates the third full week in April of each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in New Jersey
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly on March 14, 2024; Referred to the Assembly Committee on Community Development and Women’s Affairs
  • Version: Introduced version designates the observance and requests gubernatorial proclamation
  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment (per the resolution)

Purpose and Intent

AJR 160 designates a dedicated observance in New Jersey to raise awareness about infertility, its impact on individuals and couples, and the associated emotional and financial challenges. The measure emphasizes education to reduce stigma and improve understanding of infertility and its treatments.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation

    • Designates the third full week in April of each year as “Infertility Awareness Week” in the State of New Jersey.

  2. Proclamation Request

    • Requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation urging public officials and New Jersey citizens to observe Infertility Awareness Week with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective Date

    • Takes effect immediately.

Background and Rationale (As Presented in the Statement)

  • Infertility prevalence: CDC reports one in eight couples experience infertility.
  • Definition: Inability to conceive after one year or longer of trying.
  • Gender impact: Infertility affects women and men roughly equally; male infertility factors in about 50% of cases.
  • National context: About 9% of men and 11% of women in the United States have faced fertility issues.
  • Impacts: Infertility can cause psychological distress, emotional stress, and financial difficulties, with many experiencing anger, guilt, sadness, depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem.
  • Treatments and costs: Common treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI); average U.S. costs are approximately $11,000–$12,000 per IVF cycle and $300–$1,000 for an IUI cycle.
  • Purpose of awareness: Education can reduce barriers to care and stigma, fostering empathy and support for those affected.

Affected Parties

  • Public officials and New Jersey residents are targeted for observance and participation in awareness activities.
  • Stakeholders include individuals and couples experiencing infertility, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups focused on reproductive health.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative history: Introduced March 14, 2024; referred to Assembly Committee on Community Development and Women’s Affairs.
  • Companion legislation: SJR 125 (Senate companion).
  • The resolution, if enacted, would take effect immediately and require annual gubernatorial proclamation.

Related Legislation

  • SJR 125 (Senate companion measure) designated to parallel AJR 160’s observance.

Fiscal Implications

  • The text provided does not specify any appropriation or fiscal impact. As a joint resolution, it primarily establishes a designation and a request for proclamation, rather than creating new regulatory programs or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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