New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the state's first “mommy governor,” said Thursday she wants to enact into law 40 hours of paid medical leave during pregnancy.
Democrats announced a plan to give more time to prenatal care visits at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, saying it would make the Empire State the first state in the nation to offer statewide prenatal care.
The proposal was part of a number of proposals to address rising infant and maternal mortality rates, she said.
“Make no mistake, we are facing a maternal and infant mortality crisis,” Hochul said during his speech, the third stop in a series of “state of the state” stops.
“As New York State's first mom governor, this is personal to me,” she continued. “We are committed to tackling this crisis head-on with policies that uplift parents and children across New York State.”
Hochul, a mother of two, pledged to introduce legislation that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for maternal health care, streamline access to doulas and fund cribs.
Hochul said New Yorkers would be able to access doula services without a doctor's referral if the law giving the state health secretary the power to issue “standing orders” is enacted.
Meanwhile, the plan also calls for eliminating cost-sharing, including copayments and other out-of-pocket payments, for New Yorkers enrolled in essential plans or qualified health plans.
Hochul has also launched an initiative to reduce the need for unnecessary caesarean sections (or C-sections), including identifying doctors who “act outside of clinical best practice.” It also includes monitoring to identify.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths are caused by a mental health condition, and about 1 in 8 women who give birth experience postpartum depression.
The governor said the state will train 988 suicide and crisis lifeline counselors to help them deal with the challenges that expectant parents are experiencing.
“New York State refuses to accept the maternal and child mortality crisis. We will ensure that women and infants receive the lifesaving health care options and services they deserve,” Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said in a statement. We are taking action to ensure this.”
“This is how we will address existing disparities and support families across our state. We will proudly lead the way.”
Infant mortality increased by 2% from 2021 to 2022, according to data from the CDC. This compares to a 3% increase nationally.
Approximately two infants die each week and 120 infants die each year due to unsafe sleeping conditions, according to the governor's office.
Hochul's plan also provides funding to distribute portable cribs to under-resourced New Yorkers at no additional cost.
