Introduction
When Governor Hochul took office, she declared herself New York’s first mom governor. Her recent focus will surely resonate with women across the state: maternal health. In a bid to lower infant and maternal mortality rates, Hochul has unveiled a three-part scheme. The goal is to alleviate the fears and life-threatening risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, particularly for low-income and minority moms.
Hochul’s Triple Strategy
To tackle pregnancy-related threats, Hochul has committed to a unique approach. Firstly, state-paid Medicaid will now cover doula treatments, extending holistic support to new moms. In addition to that, $8 million has been allocated to establish a maternal health center in the Bronx – a district with comparably high infant and maternal mortality rates.
Then comes an unprecedented move – the NY state will allow expectant mothers an additional 20 hours of paid time-off solely for prenatal care. This makes New York the first state to roll out such a maternity-friendly policy, and the provisions go into effect from January 1.
Role of Doulas
Doulas offer physical, emotional, and other forms of support to new moms before, during and after childbirth. State Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald highlighted their role, saying, “Doula services improve birth outcomes and provide families with emotional support during pregnancy, delivery, and following birth.”
A personal anecdote from Hochul underscores the invaluable role doulas play – a doula was able to detect a serious health issue in a new mom, which her doctor had missed, saving her life. The state health department maintains a directory of doulas and has granted $250,000 to community-based organizations for identifying, training, and supporting new doulas.
Addressing Racial and Class Disparities
Steps are being taken to minimize racial and class imbalances in childbirth health outcomes. The figures are painstakingly obvious: according to a 2022 report from the non-profit Commonwealth Fund, America sees nearly 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, with Black and Latino women experiencing higher mortality rates than whites.
By launching initiatives geared to remove barriers related to income, education, or lack of access to healthcare, Hochul aims to protect the most vulnerable moms in the Bronx.
New Maternal Health Center
The state will allocate $8 million to develop a maternal health center at the Morris Heights Health Center on Burnside Avenue in the Bronx. This is part of an effort to address the sky-high maternal and infant mortality rates in the district.
Paid Time-Off for Prenatal Care
The newly introduced policy grants an additional 20 hours of paid leave for expectant mothers seeking prenatal care. This innovative provision addresses a common concern for working mothers who worry about striking a balance between their job and necessary doctor’s appointments. From the New Year, expectant moms in New York will no longer face this dilemma.
Conclusion
Reducing the barriers to quality healthcare should not be considered a burden, but a matter of life and death, especially for expectant mothers. The new measures are a significant step in that direction, ensuring pregnant women are free from bias, racism, and obstacles that have led to preventable deaths in the past. The expectant mothers of New York can now look forward to a safer, and more caring birthing experience. After all, as Governor Hochul highlighted: “being pregnant should not be a death sentence.”