Gov. Hochul to Enhance Patients’ Experiences in Midwifery Birth Centers

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation today that seeks provide another healthcare option for more women who are expecting by streamlining the processes by which accredited midwifery birthing centers can open and operate.  

"Those who give birth deserve to be able to choose the best setting for themselves to do so," said Gov. Hochul, who also wants to better regulate that the licensing, establishment, and operations of midwifery birth centers. "For too long, midwifery centers have faced undue obstacles in their paths to opening, which created a severe lack of these practices throughout our state.

“I am proud to sign legislation that removes these barriers and gives New Yorkers who are welcoming children into this world a wider range of options for where they will deliver.”

"Midwives are a well-established licensed profession in New York, with a long record of success,” said Assemblymember Richard Gottfried. “Midwife-led birth centers promote wellness-based birth in a supportive environment. Research shows that these facilities have fewer labor inductions, outstanding safety records, and successful parent bonding outcomes. This bill will improve access to these facilities in an appropriately regulated environment.”

"By streamlining the process by which birthing centers are established and operate in New York, we are actively working towards reversing our state's devastating maternal mortality crisis,” said Sen. Gustavo Rivera. “It is our responsibility to ensure pregnant women receive the professional and safe maternal care they deserve.”