S8080
An act to amend the Social Services Law — 2024-01-17 · Calendar #62
The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing a community doula directory to expand access to doula services under the state's Medicaid benefit. The bill, S8080, sponsored by Sen. Brouk, passed on a roll call vote 56-0. The measure aims to address New York's persistent Black maternal mortality crisis, with Black women in the state five times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, and nine times more likely in New York City. Doulas are nonmedical professionals who provide informational, physical, and emotional support to pregnant and postpartum individuals. Sen. Brouk said the directory will ensure the state implements its doula Medicaid benefit in a way that is accessible to as many birthing people as possible, calling doulas "one of the strongest tools we have in our toolkit" to combat maternal mortality. The bill takes effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2023.
PASSED
Ayes: 56
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
Sen. Brouk spoke in support of the bill, which establishes a community doula directory to improve implementation of the state's doula Medicaid benefit. She emphasized the persistent Black maternal mortality crisis in New York, noting that Black women are five times more likely to die in childbirth statewide and nine times more likely in New York City. Brouk characterized doulas as nonmedical professionals providing informational, physical, and emotional support, and argued they are a critical tool to combat maternal mortality and improve accessibility of the doula benefit to birthing people.