Bill > S05665

This bill directs the New York State Department of Health to establish and maintain a comprehensive public awareness program about doulas, which are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informative support during pregnancy, delivery, and birth. The program requires the department to produce and distribute educational materials to healthcare providers, highlighting the benefits of doulas, particularly in reducing mortality rates among pregnant individuals. The bill specifically emphasizes the increased risk of mortality for pregnant Black individuals and mandates that these educational materials be made available through healthcare providers and the department's website. The department is required to periodically review and update data on pregnancy mortality rates related to doula support, and will be obligated to submit a report every three years to state leadership (the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker) detailing the program's implementation and potential recommendations for improvement. The bill allows for the use of educational materials from other public, private, or governmental entities in addition to those produced by the department, and will take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5665