New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill Monday that creates a statewide doula directory aimed at helping new mothers and their newborn children.
The new law aims to reduce barriers to finding doulas, who provide physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth.
The Ministry of Health will establish and maintain the directory on its website.
Doula services will also be covered for all Medicaid enrollees starting January 1
“Our maternal and infant mortality rates are a disgrace,” Hochul said. “Expanding access to doula services is an effective, evidence-based strategy to support expectant parents and help their babies grow and thrive. As the first mother and grandmother to become Governor of New York, I am committed to doing everything in my power to address the disturbing rise in infant mortality.”
