Bill > S00758

This bill amends the New York public health law to clarify doula access rights in maternal health care facilities by explicitly stating that while patients can generally designate a doula to be with them during delivery and post-delivery inpatient care, facilities are not required to grant doula access during emergency situations or when the doula's presence could potentially compromise patient or healthcare team safety. The bill defines "maternal health care facilities" as hospitals or freestanding birthing centers providing perinatal services. By adding this qualifying language, the legislation maintains the fundamental right of patients to have doula support while also preserving healthcare providers' ability to make critical safety-based decisions about access during high-risk or urgent medical scenarios. This nuanced approach seeks to balance patient preferences for supportive care during childbirth with the need to maintain flexible medical protocols in emergency circumstances.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S758