Section 26:2-162.1 - Study of effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American womena. The New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health shall study the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women. The purpose of the study shall be to:
(1) identify Statewide and regional trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in adverse health outcomes, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women;(2) review the extent to which the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in that area; and(3) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women.b. In conducting the study, the office may seek the advice of persons specializing in the fields of women's health, minority health advocacy, or other related fields.c. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the office shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to:(1) improve the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in this State;(2) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women; and(3) increase access to high quality health care services among African-American women in the following priority areas: childbirth; breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer screening; HIV/AIDS; hepatitis C; and other sexually transmitted diseases.d. The office may prepare and submit additional reports when the office deems it appropriate, and each report, with the exception of the first report prepared under this section, shall additionally identify the extent to which the office's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in the preceding years.Added by L. 2019, c. 497, s. 1, eff. 1/21/2020.