ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)-- MOnDAY GOV. KATHY HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION INTENDING TO SUPPORT MATERNAL HEALTH AND COMBAT INFANT MORTALITY.  

THE NEW LAW WOULD DIRECT THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALtH TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A DIRECTORY OF DOULAS OR BIRTHING EXPERTS WHO CAN PROVIDE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CHILDBIRTH.  

THE GOVERNOR, CONCERNED ABOUT THE NATION’S MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY RATES, SAid THIS LEGISLATION WILL COMBAT BARRIERS INCLUDING RACIAL DISPARITIES TO GOOD QUALITY MATERNAL AND INFANT CARE.  

ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, BLACK WOMEN ARE TWO TO THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE IN CHILDBIRTH THAN WHITE WOMEN.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL SAID THIS NEW LAW INTENDS TO COMBAT THIS ISSUE.  

“We're not going to lose any mother or any baby because of the color of their skin. We're not going to do that anymore. We're going to treat everyone equally,” said Hochul. 

THE GOVERNOR ALSO ANNOUNCED DOULA SERVICES WILL BE COVERED FOR ALL MEDICAID ENROLLEES STARTING JANUARY 1.