S6494

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring commercial insurance policies to cover doula services as part of maternity care, with overwhelming support. Senate Bill 6494, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, passed 57-1 on a roll call vote. Sen. Cleare argued that doulas provide essential services with scientifically proven benefits for maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly for Black and other communities of color experiencing higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. She emphasized that insurance companies must provide equal coverage for all births regardless of whether mothers choose hospital or home births, and that families should not face financial burden when selecting doula support. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure.