Ruiz, McKnight Bill Would Create a Public Awareness Campaign on the Benefits of Doula and Midwife Services

TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced a bill today sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Angela V. McKnight that would require the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, to establish a public awareness campaign about the benefits of doula and midwife services.

“Every mother deserves to be seen, heard, and supported throughout their birthing journey. Doulas and midwives provide that transformative voice – offering physical, emotional, and informational support that has been shown to improve maternal and infant health outcomes,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “Empowering new mothers with the knowledge of how doulas or midwives could assist them during and after pregnancy will better equip women in this chapter of their lives and help us build stronger families.”

“Doulas and midwives can greatly improve pregnancy outcomes, yet many are unaware that their services exist, especially in vulnerable communities that would benefit the most from their guidance,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “A public awareness campaign uplifting the critical work of doulas and midwives would help connect more families to their support, so that we can close gaps in maternal care and improve health equity.”

The bill, S-3091, requires the campaign to include a comprehensive description of the person-centered and supportive services provided for birthing persons and infants during the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum periods by doulas and midwives; the culturally competent nature of the care and services provided by doulas and midwives to birthing persons; the health benefits and improved maternal and infant health outcomes that may result from doula and midwives; and any free or low-cost resources made available by the State for doula and midwife services.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority would be required to make print or electronic educational materials about doulas and midwives available in the top ten languages most commonly spoken in New Jersey. The information would be available online and distributed through various public entities, including local health agencies, clinics, health care providers, reproductive health service providers such as Planned Parenthood, WIC offices, county human services offices, pharmacies, and other community-based organizations statewide.