Hospitals in New Jersey are facing criticism after revealing that parents are asked to identify their newborn’s gender identity and sexual orientation in a state-mandated questionnaire. The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) form, issued by Inspira Health, asks parents to classify their baby’s gender as male, female, transgender, or other, and to select a sexual orientation, including options like lesbian, gay, or straight.
The form was introduced in response to a New Jersey law requiring healthcare providers to collect demographic data, including gender identity and sexual orientation. However, the inclusion of newborns has sparked backlash from many parents, who question the logic behind asking about an infant’s gender identity and sexual orientation.
Sandy Anello, a mother of two, criticized the form as “completely crazy,” while Carsen Rodgers, expecting her first child, called it “insane.” State Senator Holly Schepisi also condemned the policy, calling it unnecessary and questioning its medical value. She plans to introduce a bill to restrict demographic data collection to those aged 16 and older.
The law, passed in 2022, was modeled after a similar Indiana statute and aims to help public health officials collect accurate demographic data. Democratic Representative Herbert Conaway, who helped develop the law, emphasized that filling out the questionnaire is not mandatory.
While hospitals in New York City do not collect such data, Inspira Health confirmed that the form is state-required but parents can decline to answer. The hospital system is awaiting approval for a waiver to modify the form.
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