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Bill

A 2181

Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for endometriosis.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 6 co-sponsors

Requires perinatal care providers to refer pregnant or postpartum patients with preeclampsia and endometriosis symptoms for evaluation and ensure treatment planning.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2181

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-2181 (Session 222)

Title

Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for endometriosis.

Purpose and intent

  • To require perinatal health care providers in New Jersey to actively address endometriosis in patients who have been diagnosed with preeclampsia and subsequently exhibit symptoms of endometriosis.
  • To promote early identification, evaluation, and management of endometriosis among pregnant individuals and those who have recently given birth, in order to reduce risks and improve outcomes.

Key provisions

1) Perinatal care referrals for endometriosis

  • The Commissioner of Health must require every licensed physician or health care practitioner in the State providing perinatal care to a pregnant person or a person who has given birth to refer the person for an endometriosis evaluation if:
    • The person has been diagnosed with preeclampsia, and
    • The person subsequently shows symptoms of endometriosis.

2) Obligations of obstetric care providers (within six weeks post-delivery)

  • The Board of Medical Examiners must require obstetric care providers who are the primary caregiver for a pregnant person or a person seeking perinatal care within six weeks of giving birth to:
    1. Provide information to the patient about endometriosis (using materials developed by the New Jersey Department of Health).
    2. Inform the patient about the benefits of an endometriosis evaluation if they have preeclampsia and later show symptoms of endometriosis.
    3. Evaluate the patient for endometriosis or refer them to a qualified obstetric care provider for evaluation, unless the patient provides a written refusal.

3) Educational materials

  • The Commissioner, in consultation with the Endometriosis Foundation of America and other designated community-based organizations, must develop educational information about endometriosis for:
    • Pregnant individuals, and
    • Individuals who have recently given birth and have been diagnosed with preeclampsia and subsequently show symptoms of endometriosis.
  • Materials must cover endometriosis and potential warning signs and symptoms.

4) Evaluation and treatment planning upon referral

  • When a referral for an endometriosis evaluation is received, the obstetric care provider must:
    • Discuss the evaluation results with the patient.
    • If diagnosed with endometriosis, develop a treatment plan to minimize the patient’s risk from the condition.

5) Rulemaking and effective date

  • The Board of Medical Examiners shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the act, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The act would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Who is affected

  • Licensed physicians and health care practitioners providing perinatal care in New Jersey.
  • Obstetric care providers who are primary caregivers for pregnant individuals or those seeking perinatal care within six weeks after birth.
  • Pregnant individuals diagnosed with preeclampsia and who later show endometriosis symptoms.
  • Individuals who have recently given birth and have preeclampsia with subsequent endometriosis symptoms.
  • The New Jersey Department of Health (in developing educational materials) and designated community-based organizations (e.g., Endometriosis Foundation of America) involved in creating patient education.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Referral obligation triggers: patient with preeclampsia who subsequently shows endometriosis symptoms.
  • Education and information provision: to occur by obstetric care providers within six weeks of birth, per guidelines.
  • Evaluation/referral: must be conducted unless the patient refuses in writing.
  • Rulemaking: Board of Medical Examiners to adopt implementing regulations.
  • Effective date: 180 days after enactment.
  • Current status: Introduced and referred to committees; pre-filing for 2026 session.

Practical impact

  • Aims to increase awareness, screening, and early management of endometriosis in a high-risk perinatal population (preeclampsia patients with subsequent symptoms).
  • Standardizes education materials and ensures consistent patient counseling by obstetric care providers.
  • Establishes a formal referral pathway for diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning to reduce potential health risks associated with undiagnosed endometriosis.

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

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