NJ A507

Physicians providing prenatal care would receive civil immunity from lawsuits for damages arising from birth injuries or congenital defects under specified conditions.

Immunity applies only when the physician provided care meeting ordinary professional medical standards and the pregnant woman voluntarily stopped receiving prenatal care during the final 8 weeks of pregnancy.

The physician must have advised the woman about the importance of continuing regular prenatal care through the end of pregnancy.

Immunity requires either that signs of the birth injury or defect were not reasonably detectable during the care provided, or that the physician detected potential issues and advised the woman about the likelihood, nature, consequences, and treatment options.

The law would take effect immediately and apply to births occurring on or after the effective date.