Assembly orders study on making hospitals more "doula‑friendly"

Miss Beshotte Hermelin said the doula‑friendly workplace study will examine successful integration models, identify hospitals and birthing centers that support doulas, and produce recommendations to improve access and reduce disparities. She framed the study as a necessary complement to existing pilot programs that accept Medicaid and noted maternal mortality disparities as a driving concern.

Members asked whether the study should wait until current pilots had fully matured; the sponsor and supporters said ongoing pilots and existing doula programs provide enough information to merit a study now and that findings would identify where doulas are not welcome and recommend steps to improve cultural and linguistic integration. The Assembly passed the legislation.