WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

J 132

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22, 2025, as Doula Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roxanne Persaud

Urges Gov. Hochul to proclaim March 22, 2025 as Doula Day; ceremonial recognition raises awareness of doulas, with no new laws, funding, or enforceable duties.

ADOPTED
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · J 132

Summary of Bill J 132: Memorializing Governor Hochul to Proclaim March 22, 2025 as Doula Day

Overview

Bill J 132 is a memorializing resolution adopted by the New York Legislature. Its primary purpose is to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a proclamation recognizing March 22, 2025 as Doula Day in the State of New York. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not establish new laws, programs, or funding.

Purpose and Intent

  • Formal request for a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing the role and contributions of birth doulas in supporting maternal and family health.
  • Aims to raise public awareness of doulas and their supportive services during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.
  • Signifies bipartisan or broad legislative support for acknowledging non-medical, birth-support professionals within New York.

Key Provisions

  • The central provision is a directive to the Governor to proclaim March 22, 2025, as Doula Day.
  • No fiscal appropriation, regulatory changes, or administrative program creation accompany the resolution.
  • The resolution itself does not create rights or obligations on individuals, public agencies, or health systems beyond the proclamation.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Doulas and birth workers: Recognized for their contributions; the proclamation may enhance visibility and public understanding of the profession.
  • Families and pregnant individuals: May benefit from increased awareness of birth support options.
  • Hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, and public health entities: No mandated changes; potential alignment with awareness campaigns or community education related to maternal support.
  • General public in New York: Gains a ceremonial acknowledgment of doulas’ role in maternal health.

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to Finance on January 9, 2025; subsequently reported to calendar for consideration on January 14, 2025; adopted on January 14, 2025.
  • Status: ADOPTED.
  • Sponsor: Roxanne J. Persaud (primary).

Practical Notes

  • Because this is a memorializing resolution, it serves as a formal recommendation to the Governor rather than a law or policy with enforceable requirements.
  • If the Governor issues the proclamation, Doula Day would be proclaimed for March 22, 2025; there is no ongoing administrative program or funding tied to the measure.
  • The duplicate entries in the legislative actions reflect internal tracking of the same actions on the same date.

Next Steps

  • Monitor whether Governor Hochul issues a proclamation recognizing Doula Day on March 22, 2025.
  • Possible future steps could include public awareness campaigns or educational materials highlighting the role of doulas in maternal health.

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

Sign in to ask a question.