BILL NUMBER: S5992A
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to permitting expect-
ing and new mothers' access to their doulas
 
PURPOSE:
Allows a pregnant person to designate a doula to have full access to
themselves in a maternal healthcare facility during delivery and/or
inpatient care post-delivery.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the public health law by adding a new section that
requires maternal health facilities to allow a pregnant person a full
access to their designated doula during delivery and/or inpatient care
post-delivery.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Doulas provide non-clinical evidence-based practices that have been
proven to generate healthier outcomes for both a birthing person and
their child. They have proven to be an effective strategy in addressing
racial disparities in maternal healthcare by reducing severe maternal
morbidity and mortality. Yet, lack of awareness and access to doula
services contribute to underuse of this important resource.
A 2021 report by the NYC Department of Health found that doulas face
barriers to providing services in hospital settings, such as requests to
prove their training and/or certification (neither of which are required
in New York State) and inability to see their clients postpartum. Ensur-
ing pregnant persons and their child have access to their designated
doula throughout maternal health facilities has been shown to mitigate
stressors that influence birth outcomes.
The presence of a doula can empower a pregnant person to make informed
decisions and facilitate communication with healthcare providers. They
also provide support and peace of mind in caring for the birthing
person's child once they are born. Providing a directory of doulas
allows maternal health facilities to mitigate disparities in maternal
healthcare by raising awareness of this service and making it more wide-
ly accessible.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.