AJR 170 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Designating September 24 of each year as "Mothers of Gynecology Day" in NJ.

This bill designates September 24 of each year as "Mothers of Gynecology Day" in New Jersey to honor Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, three enslaved women whose bodies were used in early gynecological experiments. The resolution formally recognizes their foundational contributions to the development of surgical techniques in the field, which were conducted without their consent or anesthesia in the 1840s. Under the bill, the Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. This measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the historical figures rather than establishing new laws or funding.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 4, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026
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May 4, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shanique Speight
Shanique Speight
DDemocratic
NJ
29