New Jersey parents must choose gender identity, sexual orientation for newborn babies

New Jersey hospitals are now requiring parents to pick their newborn’s sexual orientation and gender identity at birth, causing confusion for new parents.

Inspira Health, a major healthcare provider in South Jersey, has implemented a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questionnaire as part of its admission process for newborns. 

The form asks parents to “classify” their infant as “Male, Female, Transgender, Gender Queer,” or select an “Additional gender category.” 

Parents are also asked to determine whether their baby is “Lesbian or gay, Straight or heterosexual, Self-described, or Questioning/Unsure.”

The policy comes from a New Jersey law mandating hospitals to collect data on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity “in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.” 

However, the inclusion of newborns in this data collection effort has drawn sharp criticism from both parents and lawmakers.

“That form is completely crazy, and anyone who would dictate a baby’s sexual orientation probably has an agenda,” Sandy Anello, a mother of two from Bridgewater, NJ, told the New York Post.

“If I was told to fill this out, I’d rip it up in front of them. It feels like we’ve entered The Twilight Zone.”

Jersey City mom-to-be Carsen Rodgers, who is due in April, was equally shocked. 

“Identifying my baby as gay on Day 1 is insane,” said Rodgers. 

“I had no idea about this form and I’m shocked.”

Republican New Jersey State Senator Holly Schepisi also denounced the questionnaire, calling it an unnecessary burden on new parents.

“The entire thing lacks such common sense, and serves no purpose whatsoever,” said Schepisi. 

“As a mom myself, I know you’re exhausted after giving birth. You’ve got a crying newborn and you’re trying to figure out how to feed it. To be handed that sort of form in the midst of all that has no medical value—it makes no sense.”

After obtaining a copy of the form, Schepisi shared it on Facebook, where it sparked disbelief and speculation about its authenticity. 

Schepisi plans to introduce a bill next week to revise the state law, limiting data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity to patients 16 and older.

The 2022 law was introduced by Democratic State Senators Joseph Cryan and Angela McKnight. 

Former Assemblyman Herbert Conaway, who helped draft the legislation, defended the measure, arguing that it provides public health officials with valuable demographic data.

“Good policy depends on the availability of complete and accurate data,” said Conaway. 

“Hospitals are required to collect and report demographic data on the patients they serve; however, no patient or parent is obligated to answer any question that makes them uncomfortable.”

Inspira Health maintains that it is merely following state law and noted that parents can opt out of answering the questions. 

The health system has requested a waiver from the requirement but has not yet received approval.

While the policy remains in place, parents across New Jersey are left wondering why such questions are necessary and whether their newborn’s first official form should include a declaration of sexual orientation and gender identity.