New Jersey Hospitals Collect Demographic Data on Newborns, Sparking Controversy

New Jersey hospitals are facing backlash for distributing forms that ask new parents to identify their newborns' sexual orientation and gender identity, a requirement stemming from a 2021 state law aimed at improving healthcare for marginalized communities. Parents have expressed confusion and frustration, labeling the questions as absurd and irrelevant to infant care. State Senator Holly Schepisi has announced plans to introduce legislation that would limit such data collection to patients over 16, arguing that the forms waste medical professionals' time and serve no practical purpose. Despite criticism, Inspira Health, which operates several hospitals in the state, defends the forms as necessary for compliance with state law, while also noting that parents can opt out of providing the information. The situation has sparked a bipartisan debate among lawmakers, with some questioning the law's intent and application to newborns. Critics argue that this requirement exemplifies the politicization of healthcare at the expense of practical patient care.