ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--AN ORDER TO EXPAND BIRTHING PARENTS' ACCESS TO DOULA CARE Took EFFECT Monday.

THIS IS AN ORDER THAT WAS SECURED DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS. THE ORDER WOULD REQUIRE A recommendation FOR DOULA services FOR INDIVIDUALS IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID COVERAGE.  
 
THE ORDER ALSO INTENDS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR BIRTHING PARENTS ENROLLED IN OTHER HEALTH PLANS TO ACCESS DOULA CARE.  
 
“They don’t need a referral anymore; they don’t have to worry about the cost. The doula services which have really stepped up into the forefront as a service that is indispensable for women to make sure that they have an advocate when they go to their appointments,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-New York). 
 
THE ORDER IS HOPED TO HELP REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY, ESPECIALLY AMONG RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITIES.  
 
THE GOVERNOR ALSO HIGHLIGHTed ON THE FIRST OF THE NEW YEAR, NEW YORKERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO 20 HOURS OF PAID PRENATAL LEAVE.  
 
AND SOME ADVOCATES SAid THESE STEPS WILL MAKE CORRECT AN INJUSTICE THAT FOR TOO LONG HAS DENIED WOMEN AND PARTICULARLY WOMEN OF COLOR PROPER MATERNAL HEALTHCARE.  
 
“Today is really a great day where we take a bold step in our collective work to ensure that all women and certainly women of color have access and opportunity,” said Vanessa Gibson, Bronx borough president.