ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – In New York, maternal health is at the forefront of policy.
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new policy that would allow people to pay for doula services on Medicaid dollars.
She said expecting mothers now don’t need a referral for a doula.
She highlighted the importance of doulas for providing cultural and first-hand experience during and leading up to childbirth.
“They don’t have to worry about the cost of doula services — which have really stepped up into the forefront as a service that is indispensable for women to make sure they have an advocate when they go to their appointments and ultimately childbirth,” said Hochul.
Hochul also touted New York’s prenatal leave program, saying they are the first state in the nation to grant expecting mothers 20 hours of time off for prenatal care like appointments.
She said that for hourly workers, taking time off for medical care means making less money – something this new policy will change.