S7048

The New York State Senate passed S7048, legislation to strengthen oversight of maternal health services and address the state's maternal healthcare crisis. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Webb, requires the Public Health and Health Planning Council to review and regulate any significant changes to perinatal services offered by general hospitals. The measure passed on a 61-0 roll call vote. Sen. Webb highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that 28 hospitals across the state have closed or reduced obstetric services since 2008. As of 2022, more than 4 percent of women statewide lack access to a birthing hospital within 30 minutes of their homes, a figure that rises to 47 percent in rural districts. The legislation aims to ensure community input and oversight in decisions affecting maternity care availability, particularly in underserved rural areas and communities of color that face disproportionate health disparities related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Webb requiring hospitals to obtain approval before making significant changes to perinatal services. The bill, S7048, passed on a 59-0 vote and amends the Public Health Law to bring hospital decisions about adding, decertifying, or substantially altering maternal and infant care services under Article 28 review. Webb, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women's Issues and represents rural districts, argued the measure addresses a troubling trend of hospitals quietly eliminating perinatal services without community notice or oversight. She emphasized that the requirement for transparency and community input is particularly critical in underserved and rural areas where access to maternal care is already limited, and where hospital service reductions force pregnant people to travel farther for care, increasing health risks. Webb characterized the legislation as ensuring accountability from medical providers rather than imposing unnecessary bureaucratic burden. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.