New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expanding doula services statewide

New York is fighting an “unacceptable” maternal mortality rate that disproportionately affects Black women by issuing a statewide standing order for doula services.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed latest rules introduced on Monday, June 10, that allow residents to pay for doula services through Medicaid, it says. The expansion comes one 12 months after Governor Hochul’s announcement laws Directing the State Department of Health to create and maintain a doula directory in response to the high variety of pregnancy-related deaths amongst black women, despite the state’s ongoing efforts to scale back maternal mortality.

Governor attached funding for doula services in New York State’s fiscal 12 months 2025 laws.

“I want others to see what we do here as an example of how we protect moms and babies and give them the world-class health care they deserve, so thank you,” Hochul said.

Hochul addressed the maternal mortality crisis during a roundtable discussion at Bronx Borough Hall with the borough president and leaders of the midwifery and doula community. Its location was purposeful because this commune is currently characterised by the best perinatal mortality rate in town.

Started March 1, 2024. New York State Medicaid covers the fee of doula services for pregnant, birthing and postpartum women. Services could also be accessed through the Department’s directory of doulas registered to supply covered services to Medicaid members. Additionally, the Doula Expansion Grant Program provided $250,000 to community-based organizations to recruit, train, certify, support and mentor community-based doulas.

“Doula services improve the birth process and provide families with emotional support during pregnancy, labor and postpartum,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

“The number of Black people dying in childbirth highlights long-standing health disparities resulting from systemic racism, which is unacceptable.”

Governor Hochul announced $8 million for Morris Heights Health Center within the Bronx to construct a state-of-the-art maternal clinic that is sorely needed within the Bronx, where women of color are nine times more prone to have complications. dies in consequence of childbirth than in some other commune.

“The State Department of Health remains committed to eliminating disparities in birth outcomes, eliminating barriers to access to important health resources, and providing high-quality resources and supports, such as doula services, so that all birthing people have safe and empowering pregnancies and births ” McDonald added.