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Senate votes to require private insurers to cover doula services as part of maternity care
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Summary
The Senate passed a bill requiring commercial insurance policies to cover doula services, with supporters saying doulas improve outcomes and may help reduce maternal mortality disparities.
ALBANY — The New York State Senate on April 28 passed legislation to require commercial insurance plans in the state to cover doula services as part of maternity care.
Senator Clear, speaking in favor on the floor, said doulas ‘‘provide physical, emotional, and informational support’’ and urged colleagues to consider the role of doula care in addressing maternal mortality and morbidity in Black and other communities of color. ‘‘Every birthing mother deserves equal support,’’ she said.
The bill’s floor reading and sponsor remarks emphasized doulas’ potential to improve both physical and psychological outcomes and to reduce barriers to culturally competent care. The clerk announced the result after the roll call and the bill was recorded as passed.
Sources: Floor debate and roll calls during the April 28, 2026 Senate session. Quote attributed to Senator Clear (floor sponsor).
