New York Assembly Bill A01026

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Report Pass: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Engrossed: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Engrossed: 2/5/25
• Enrolled: 2/12/25
• Chaptered: 2/14/25
• Passed: 2/14/25

Caption

Requires the department of health to require all maternal healthcare facilities to include and/or post on the maternal healthcare facility's webpage, lobby, and patient waiting areas information stating a birthing parent is allowed to have a doula present in the maternal health care facility for delivery and/or inpatient care post-delivery.

Summary

Bill A01026 amends the public health law in New York to ensure that maternal health care facilities provide information regarding the right of birthing parents to have a doula present during delivery and post-delivery care. The bill repeals a previous law that permitted doulas to be present in the operating room during cesarean sections, thereby focusing on the broader access to doulas in maternity care settings. It mandates that this information be made available in layperson's language and in multiple languages to accommodate individuals with limited English proficiency.

Impact

The bill's passage will enhance the visibility and awareness of doula services within maternal health care facilities, thereby potentially increasing the support available to birthing parents. By requiring facilities to post information about doula access, the bill aims to empower parents and improve their birthing experience. The repeal of the previous law regarding doulas in operating rooms indicates a shift in focus towards general access rather than specific scenarios.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01026 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in committee and floor votes. The bill received 25 votes in favor with no opposition in the Assembly Health Committee, and it passed the Assembly floor with 143 votes in favor and only 2 against. The Senate also showed strong support with a final passage vote of 62-0.

Contention

While the bill has garnered significant support, there may be underlying contention regarding the repeal of the previous law that allowed doulas in operating rooms during cesarean sections. Some advocates for doula presence during all aspects of childbirth might view this repeal as a setback. However, the bill's focus on broader access to doulas in general maternity care may mitigate some of these concerns.