NEW YORK, NY December 26, 2007 —New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey - who is acting governor this week while Governor Corzine is out of the country - will sign the measure today at University Hospital in Newark.

The measure mandates the HIV testing, although women can opt out if they so desire.

Supporters contend the bill will put the state in the forefront of the national fight against HIV transmission to babies.

But, critics contend the screening will deprive women of their right to make medical decisions.

According to the Kaiser Foundation, a nonprofit research organization focusing on U.S. healthcare, New Jersey would be the first state to push HIV testing for both pregnant women and newborns.