Bill > S07544

This bill establishes a Cesarean Births Review Board consisting of 14 multidisciplinary experts appointed by the governor and state legislative leaders, with a focus on representing the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of birthing people in the state. The board will include professionals such as midwives, nurses, obstetricians, and maternal health organization representatives who will conduct a comprehensive review of cesarean birth rates in hospitals. Their investigation will examine various factors including primary and repeat cesarean rates, vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) rates, timing of unplanned cesarean births, midwifery care frequency, and patient information about cesarean risks and alternatives. The board is authorized to request medical and birth records from state agencies to support their research. Within 18 months of convening, they must produce a final report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the governor and legislative leaders and published on the department's website. Importantly, the board is required to maintain confidentiality of any personal identifying information and use the gathered data solely to improve maternal healthcare quality. Board members will serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for necessary expenses.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7544