Senate Bill S5991

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S5991A

SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to permitting doulas
to be present in the operating room while a cesarean section is being
performed

 
PURPOSE:

Establishes the right of a pregnant person to have access to their
designated doula in the operating room for the purposes of a cesarean
section. Requires maternal healthcare facilities to post this informa-
tion electronically and in the facilities, in English as well as trans-
lated in the six most common languages in the region.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the public health law by adding section 2500-1 that
establishes the right of a pregnant person to have their designated
doula in the operating room during a cesarean section when no other
              

support person is available to them.

Section 2 requires all maternal health facilities to post this informa-
tion on their website and in their facilities, in English and the six
most common languages in the region.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Doulas are non-clinical personnel who provide healthcare services to
pregnant persons before, during, and after pregnancy. They provide indi-
vidualized physical, emotional, and informational support, as well as
advocacy to their clients. Doula care is an evidence-based practice that
is associated with healthier birth outcomes for both a pregnant person
and their newborn infant. Due to lack of awareness, resources, and
training for those interested in joining the profession, this important
resource is underused.

A 2013 study by Gruber et. al. found that doulas serve as the pregnant
person's advocate by empowering them to make informed decisions for
themselves and their child. Continuous support by doulas during labor is
linked to significant reductions in birth complications such as cesarean
births, instrumental vaginal births, need for oxytocin augmentation, and
shortened durations of labor. After birth, doula support is associated
with positive breastfeeding outcomes, higher Apgar scores (used to
assess newborn health at birth) for newborns, and healthier overall
outcomes of the birthing parent and child.

Doula services are also an important strategy in addressing the Maternal
Health Crisis, which was prioritized in the Fiscal Year 2023 President's
Budget. A 2022 issue brief by the Office of Health Policy found that
doulas can mitigate racial inequity in maternal health outcomes by
communicating their client's needs and assisting them in navigating the
health care and social sectors. Doulas are especially impactful with
birthing parents who were socially disadvantaged, low income, unmarried,
primiparous, giving birth in a hospital without a companion, or had
experienced language/cultural barriers (Gruber et.  al., 2013). These
services have been proven to positively impact severe maternal morbidity
and mortality outcomes especially in minority communities, who have
historically faced worse maternal outcomes and less access to doula
services.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.