New York Assembly Bill A10073

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/26
• Refer: 1/30/26
• Report Pass: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/10/26

Caption

Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients

Summary

A10073 would require the New York State Department of Health to create written educational materials about episiotomy for maternity patients, and would require maternal health care providers to distribute those materials to pregnant patients planning a vaginal delivery before delivery, or after delivery if the vaginal delivery was not planned prenatally. The bill defines covered providers broadly to include physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants acting within their scope of practice. The required materials must explain the potential maternal injuries associated with episiotomy, how the procedure may affect future deliveries, the circumstances in which it may be medically necessary to protect the health of the mother or fetus, and the general consent requirements for performing an episiotomy, including when it may be done without patient consent. The commissioner must consult with relevant professional and patient groups, such as obstetric and midwifery organizations, and keep the information updated to reflect current clinical guidelines.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to the Public Health Law requiring state-developed patient education on episiotomy and imposing a new disclosure duty on maternal health care providers. It would affect hospitals, obstetric practices, midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants involved in maternity care by requiring standardized written notice and by tying the content of that notice to current clinical guidance and consent rules. The Department of Health would also take on an ongoing role in drafting and updating the materials.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It was reported out of the Assembly Health Committee unanimously, with 25 yeas and 0 nays, indicating broad support at the committee level. No committee transcript is available, but the vote pattern suggests the measure was viewed as a patient-information and informed-consent bill rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

The main issues likely to draw attention are the scope and timing of the disclosure requirement and the bill’s treatment of consent in labor and delivery settings. Supporters would likely emphasize patient autonomy, informed consent, and transparency about risks and alternatives, while providers may be attentive to implementation details, such as when the notice must be given, how it should be integrated into clinical workflow, and whether the statutory language accurately reflects emergency exceptions and current medical practice. Because the bill requires the Department of Health to maintain materials consistent with evolving clinical guidelines, there may also be interest in how much discretion the department has in drafting the content.