Two state lawmakers are calling for the state's Medicaid program to cover doula care as part of an expansion in the state.

The measure, backed by state Sen. Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Sarah Clark, is meant to extend doula coverage to families that could struggle to afford it.

Nearly half of the births in New York are covered by Medicaid.

Doulas provide non-clinical support, including physical, emotional and informational aid for the parents before, during and after labor.

“Too many families — especially Black families — know just how real New York’s maternal mortality rate is. And as leaders, we have an obligation to do better to ensure that every family has the resources they need to have a healthy pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experience," Brouk said. “One of the best ways we can address New York’s worsening maternal mortality is by expanding access to doula care by expanding our Medicaid program in New York and by making sure doulas are reimbursed at an equitable rate that allows them to care for their families.”

Senate lawmakers earlier this year proposed reimbursing doula care for people enrolled in the Medicaid program with a $1,930 reimbursement rate for visits prior to the birth, labor and delivery attendance as well as four postpartum visits.

Lawmakers pointed to a pilot program in Erie County as an example of what can work.

"Countless maternal deaths and complications could be avoided with increased access to the expertise and skills of doulas," Clark said. "Black women bear the cost of inaction even more with higher rates of pregnancy complications and death; there is no more time to waste."