As the President and CEO of Public Health Solutions, I am heartened by Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent signature of two pivotal laws aimed at addressing the maternal mortality crisis and bolstering support for pregnant individuals in New York State.
The first law, S.3610/A.5576, mandates that maternity facilities provide prospective patients with comprehensive information, including their policies on safety drills for obstetric emergencies and protocols for transferring critically ill pregnant patients and infants. This transparency is crucial, as it empowers expectant mothers to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care during one of life’s most significant events.
The second law, S.7690/A.8168, extends Medicaid coverage to include remote ultrasound scans and remote fetal non-stress tests. By embracing telemedicine, this legislation addresses barriers such as transportation challenges and limited access to prenatal care providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This expansion is a significant step toward equitable healthcare access, ensuring that all pregnant individuals receive consistent and timely prenatal monitoring.
At Public Health Solutions, our mission is to support vulnerable families in achieving optimal health and building pathways to reach their potential. These legislative advancements align seamlessly with our commitment to improving health outcomes among underserved families by providing direct services such as maternal and child health support.
We commend Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their unwavering dedication to maternal health. These laws represent a proactive approach to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities. By enhancing transparency and expanding access to essential prenatal services, New York State is setting a commendable precedent in prioritizing the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.
Public Health Solutions remains steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with state and local partners to implement these measures effectively. Together, we can ensure that every expectant mother in New York has the resources, information, and support necessary for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience.