New York, New York (Dec 4 2025) – Today, Council Member Jennifer Guti\u00e9rrez the Doula Bill of Rights, Intro 1495-2025<\/em>, 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. <\/p>\n \u201cThis bill reflects years of conversations I have had with doulas, midwives, birth workers, and new parents,\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>said Council Member Guti\u00e9rrez. <\/strong>\u201cAgain 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n 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 \u2014 and that birthing people know exactly what they\u2019re entitled to expect. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Additionally, the Doula Bill of Rights<\/em> creates a permanent Doula Advisory Council composed of practicing doulas, recent parents, the Commissioner of Health, and a representative from NYC Health + Hospitals.<\/p>\n