S1867
An act to amend the Public Health Law (doula services directory) — 2023-03-01 · Calendar #248
The New York State Senate passed legislation creating a directory of doula services to improve maternal health outcomes. Senate Print 1867, sponsored by Sen. Brouk, passed on a 60-0 vote. The bill directs the creation of community doula directories to help birthing people, particularly Medicaid patients, access doula services—nonclinical professionals who provide emotional, informational, and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods. Sen. Brouk emphasized the critical importance of doulas in reducing maternal mortality, noting that Black women in New York State are five times more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women, and nine times more likely in New York City. Research cited in floor debate shows doulas reduce Cesarean rates by 50 percent and labor length by 25 percent. Sen. Scarcella-Spanton supported the measure, distinguishing doulas from midwives and noting the directory will help streamline access to services. Brouk indicated the Legislature must also act during the budget session to establish Medicaid reimbursement rates for doula care to ensure affordability for those who need it most.
PASSED
Ayes: 60
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Brouk explained that the bill creates a directory of doulas to improve access to doula services, which are nonclinical support providers for birthing people. She emphasized that doulas reduce Cesarean rates by 50 percent and labor length by 25 percent, and are particularly critical given that Black women in New York State are five times more likely to die in childbirth. Sen. Scarcella-Spanton supported the bill as an important step toward maternal health, clarifying that doulas differ from midwives by providing emotional support rather than medical care, and noted that a community doula directory will help Medicaid patients access these services.