New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00809

Introduced
1/8/25  

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 S00809 seeks to amend the public health law in New York regarding the presence of doulas in maternal healthcare settings. Specifically, it repeals a previous law that allowed doulas to be present in the operating room during cesarean sections. Instead, the bill mandates that all maternal health care facilities provide clear information about a birthing parent's right to have a doula present during delivery and post-delivery care. This information must be accessible in multiple languages to accommodate individuals with limited English proficiency.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by repealing the specific provision that allowed doulas in the operating room during cesarean sections, which may affect the rights of birthing parents in those situations. However, it enhances the visibility of doulas' roles in maternal healthcare by requiring facilities to inform patients of their rights to have a doula present during delivery and inpatient care. This change aims to improve access to support for birthing parents and ensure that they are aware of their options.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00809 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that it reinforces the importance of doulas in providing emotional and physical support to birthing parents, while critics may express concerns about the repeal of the provision allowing doulas in operating rooms, potentially limiting support during cesarean sections. The discussions have highlighted the need for clear communication and access to information for expecting parents.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the repeal of the provision allowing doulas in the operating room during cesarean sections, which some advocates for maternal health believe undermines the support system for birthing parents during surgical procedures. Supporters of the bill argue that the focus should be on ensuring that all parents are informed of their rights to have a doula present, regardless of the delivery method, while opponents may feel that the repeal could negatively impact the birthing experience for those undergoing cesarean sections.

Companion Bills

NY A01026

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

NY A01026

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.

NY A10073

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

NY S09580

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

NY S07545

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

RI S2284

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

RI S0567

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

NY S09084

Establishes a maternal health monitoring pilot program within the department of health to offer eligible participants improved maternal health care through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes; requires delivery of a report.

NY A09651

Establishes a maternal health monitoring pilot program within the department of health to offer eligible participants improved maternal health care through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes; requires delivery of a report.

RI H7538

Requires healthcare providers and healthcare facilities to inform patients of the use of artificial intelligence to memorialize patient visits.

RI S2570

Requires healthcare providers and healthcare facilities to inform patients of the use of artificial intelligence to memorialize patient visits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.