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HB 6572

AN ACT REQUIRING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DOULA-FRIENDLY POLICIES BY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND PROVIDERS OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kai Belton and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut would require OB/GYN providers to adopt doula-friendly policies, expanding non-medical labor support access to improve maternal outcomes and care equity.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#childbirth #healthcarefacilities #obstetrician-gynecologists
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6572

Legislative bill overview

HB 6572 mandates that Connecticut healthcare facilities and obstetrics/gynecology providers establish policies that accommodate and support doulas—trained birth coaches who provide non-medical labor support. The bill requires implementation of doula-friendly practices, though specific mandates are not detailed in the bill title alone.

Why is this important

Doulas have been shown in research to improve maternal outcomes, reduce intervention rates, and enhance patient satisfaction during childbirth. This legislation would formalize access to doula support across Connecticut's healthcare system, potentially addressing disparities in maternal care quality, particularly for underserved populations who benefit most from continuous labor support.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Unclear whether healthcare facilities absorb implementation costs or whether insurance/Medicaid covers doula services, affecting healthcare expenses and accessibility
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's specificity regarding what "doula-friendly policies" entail—credentialing requirements, facility changes, liability protections—remains undefined without legislative details
  • Provider autonomy vs. mandates: Tension between requiring provider compliance with accommodation policies and medical professionals' control over their clinical environments and decision-making

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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