June 21st 2024.
New York has taken a stand against the unacceptable rate of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women. This move was made by issuing a statewide standing order for doula services. On Monday, June 10, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new policy that allows Medicaid recipients to pay for doula services, as reported by WCAX. This expansion comes after last year's announcement by Gov. Hochul, directing the State Health Department to establish and maintain a directory of doulas. This was in response to the alarming number of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women, despite the state's efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
The governor made sure to include funding for doula services in the fiscal year 2025 budget, as part of the legislation. During the signing, Gov. Hochul expressed her hope that other states would follow New York's lead in protecting and providing world-class healthcare for mothers and babies. She also addressed the issue of maternal mortality during a roundtable discussion at Bronx Borough Hall, joined by the borough president and leaders from the midwifery and doula community. The location was chosen intentionally, as the Bronx currently has the highest maternity mortality rates in the city.
Starting on March 1, 2024, New York State Medicaid will cover the cost of doula services for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals. These services can be accessed through the Department's directory of doulas who are enrolled to provide covered services to Medicaid members. To further support and expand doula services, the state has also allocated $250,000 to community-based organizations for the recruitment, training, certification, and mentoring of community-based doulas.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of doula services in improving birth outcomes and providing emotional support to families during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. He also acknowledged that the high number of Black women dying during childbirth is a result of systemic racism and is unacceptable.
In addition to the doula services, Gov. Hochul announced $8 million in funding for the Morris Heights Health Center in the Bronx. This will be used to construct a state-of-the-art maternal health center, which is much-needed in the Bronx where women of color are nine times more likely to die from childbirth compared to other boroughs. Commissioner McDonald reiterated the state's commitment to addressing disparities in birth outcomes and providing quality resources and support, such as doula services, to ensure safe and empowering pregnancies and deliveries for all.
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