New York Assembly Bill K00247

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/21/25
• Passed: 3/24/25

Caption

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22-28, 2025, as Doula Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Doula Week

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 247 is a nonbinding memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22-28, 2025, as Doula Week in New York State, in conjunction with World Doula Week. The resolution describes World Doula Week as a time to recognize the role of doulas in supporting women, newborns, and families during birth and the postpartum period, and it highlights claimed benefits such as improved maternal and infant outcomes, reduced cesarean sections, shorter labor, and increased breastfeeding initiation and parental confidence. The measure does not create a new program, mandate, or appropriation. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s support for public recognition of doulas and directs that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor. Its practical effect is symbolic: it encourages statewide observance and public awareness of doula services and their role in maternal and newborn health.

Impact

Because this is a memorializing resolution, it does not amend the Public Health Law, create regulatory requirements, or change eligibility for services. Its impact is limited to official state recognition and possible awareness-building around doula care, maternal health, postpartum support, breastfeeding, and family wellness. Any legal or administrative effect would depend on whether the Governor issues the requested proclamation; the resolution itself is not binding on state agencies or private parties.

Sentiment

The tone of the resolution is strongly supportive and celebratory. It presents doulas as beneficial health-support professionals and frames the observance as a way to honor their contributions to birth outcomes and family well-being. No opposing views, recorded votes, or committee debate are provided in the available materials, so the overall sentiment appears uniformly favorable and ceremonial.

Contention

No specific contention is evident in the bill text or the available legislative history, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes to indicate disagreement. If any concerns were to arise, they would likely relate to the symbolic nature of the resolution rather than to policy changes, funding, or regulation, since the measure does not itself alter state law. The resolution is primarily a recognition measure, so it appears to have little or no substantive controversy in the available record.