Bill > S00809

This bill requires the New York State Department of Health to mandate that all maternal healthcare facilities include and display information informing birthing parents that they are allowed to have a doula present during delivery and post-delivery inpatient care. Specifically, the facilities must post this information on their webpage, in their lobby, and in patient waiting areas. The information must be written in plain language and made available in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York State, as determined by the most recent census. Additionally, the Department of Health must produce and provide informational pamphlets to maternal healthcare facilities that meet the same language and accessibility requirements. The bill also repeals a previous chapter of law related to doula presence during cesarean sections, and its effective date is tied to the implementation of another related bill concerning doula access for expecting and new mothers.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S809