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Panel backs public‑awareness campaigns on doulas and midwifery, with advocates stressing equity for Black mothers
Summary
The committee favorably released A4222 (1st reprint) and A4944, which require public awareness campaigns about doulas and midwifery services; testimony emphasized improved outcomes for Black mothers and culturally aligned care.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee on March 20 amended and favorably released Assembly bill 4222 (1st reprint) and Assembly bill 4944, measures directing state agencies to establish public awareness campaigns about doula and midwifery services and to educate women on coverage available through New Jersey FamilyCare.
Crystal Charlie, founder and executive director of Melanin Maternal Wellness, testified in support and told the committee that doulas reduce non‑medically necessary interventions and improve birth outcomes, particularly for Black mothers who remain overrepresented in maternal mortality and morbidity statistics. Charlie said a public campaign should center culturally aligned care and include prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support.
Committee members, including several who recounted personal experience with childbirth, praised the bill’s goals and emphasized the postpartum component. The committee moved and favorably released the bills; members said they expected the campaigns to be designed to reach underserved communities and to coordinate with existing state maternal-health initiatives.
