On May 2nd, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the inclusion of six comprehensive policies to enhance the health and well-being of pregnant women and infants in the 2025 fiscal year budget. Among them, New York State will become the first in the nation to provide paid maternity leave for expectant mothers.
In addition, New York State will waive certain pregnancy-related out-of-pocket expenses for residents enrolled in the Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plans, to alleviate the financial burden on pregnant women.
Gov. Hochul highlighted the following plans during the press conference:
(1) Prenatal Care
New York State will be the first in the country to implement prenatal leave, offering expectant mothers 20 hours of paid leave to focus on prenatal care and maintain job stability. The state government will also promote hospitals to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections and oversee doctors who do not adhere to clinical practices.
(2) Expanding Doula Care
A budget allocation of $250,000 will expand community doula care, especially for vulnerable communities, providing access to labor support services without the need for referrals. The state will also increase Medicaid coverage for doula services and establish the “New York State Community Doula Directory” for resident’s ease of use. Furthermore, the Health Commissioner is authorized to implement doula services statewide, ensuring all birthing parents can benefit.
(3) Maternal Mental Health
A $1.6 million funding for maternal mental health programs is allocated in the 2025 fiscal year budget, aimed at training 988 suicide and crisis hotline counselors to assist mothers troubled by mental health issues. Additionally, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week will continue until May 5th, emphasizing postpartum depression as a leading factor in maternal deaths, especially among women of color.
(4) Training and Education Programs for Child Health
The New York State Office of Mental Health is expanding the TEACH program to enable more frontline workers, such as therapists and lactation consultants, to provide mental health support for pregnant women.
(5) Providing Free Portable Baby Cribs
Safe sleep environments are crucial in reducing infant mortality. The state will provide portable baby cribs for families in need, distributed through local social service departments to support those who require it.
(6) Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding Mothers
Ensuring employees who need to breastfeed within three years after giving birth are provided with paid break time, and prohibiting employers from discriminating against employees based on breastfeeding reasons.