The bill will also create a first of its kind formal feedback channel for doulas to share concerns, experiences with hospitals and health workers, and recommendations directly with the City.
New York, New York (Dec 4 2025) – Today, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez the Doula Bill of Rights, Intro 1495-2025, legislation designed to strengthen the role of doulas in hospitals and ensure birthing people receive respectful, consistent, and informed care across New York City. This bill is a follow up to the passage and codification of the Citywide Doula Program in New York City in October 2025.
“This bill reflects years of conversations I have had with doulas, midwives, birth workers, and new parents,” said Council Member Gutiérrez. “Again and again, they told us that the system can feel opaque, inconsistent, and at times downright hostile to the very people supporting families through one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. The Doula Bill of Rights aims to bring clarity, accountability, and dignity into that space.”
Under the legislation, the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene will be required to develop and publish a clear, accessible list of rights for doulas working in hospitals. These rights will ensure that doulas can do their jobs safely, collaboratively, and without unnecessary barriers — and that birthing people know exactly what they’re entitled to expect.
The bill also establishes a formal feedback mechanism: a City-managed submission form allowing doulas to share concerns, experiences, and recommendations directly with DOHMH. This channel will help the City identify challenges, track patterns, and strengthen support for doulas across all birth settings.
Additionally, the Doula Bill of Rights creates a permanent Doula Advisory Council composed of practicing doulas, recent parents, the Commissioner of Health, and a representative from NYC Health + Hospitals.
A recent audit from Comptroller Brad Lander found that Black and Latina clients in the Citywide Doula Initiative had lower rates of C-sections, low birth weight, and pre-term births than Black and Brown birthing people citywide.
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