Valley Stream, NY — Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages permitting mothers full access to doulas in maternal healthcare facilities was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new law, part of a broader push to strengthen maternal healthcare in New York State, comes as the United States continues to grapple with a maternal mortality crisis, particularly for Black women.

The presence of doulas during delivery and postpartum care has been shown to mitigate stressors that influence birth outcomes and improve overall maternal health outcomes. Doulas empower a pregnant person to make informed healthcare decisions and improve communication with healthcare providers.

This legislation removes barriers to care that have previously existed, where designated doulas have been denied access to patients in hospital settings due to not showing a certification (which is not required in New York State) and being barred from seeing a client postpartum. Now, patients in maternal healthcare settings will be allowed full access to their designated doula throughout the delivery and post-delivery.

Assemblywoman Solages said, “Ensuring access to doulas in healthcare facilities is a vital step in improving maternal health for families across New York. This legislation represents meaningful progress in addressing our state’s maternal health crisis. I am deeply grateful to the Governor for her leadership and to Senator Persaud for being a strong partner in advancing this effort. I also want to thank the organizations, advocates, and community leaders who championed this cause and helped bring about this change. Together, we are transforming maternal healthcare in New York, and I’m committed to continuing this important work.”

Senator Roxanne Persaud, Senate sponsor of the bill, said, “Ensuring expecting and new mothers have access to their doulas promotes better support during childbirth and strengthens maternal health care. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill which will create more inclusive and accessible care for all families.”

The legislation was signed as part of a package of laws to improve access to resources for parents and children in New York State.