State expands Medicaid to cover doula services

New York Medicaid recipients who are pregnant now have access to doula services, according to a report from Forbes.

The decision was made in an effort to improve maternal and infant health as well as reduce the rising maternal mortality rate in the United States — especially among Black women, who may be up to three times more likely to die during pregnancy compared with white women.

Gov. Kathy Hochul stressed that some areas of New York, such as the Bronx, have higher maternal mortality rates that may be connected with its higher poverty rate. However, support from doula services during birth has been shown to improve birthing experiences and outcomes.

As of May, 14 states have expanded access to doula services through Medicaid.

Read more: Forbes

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