NY Governor Proposes Paid Prenatal Leave to Improve Maternal, Infant Health

If approved, the initiative would make New York the first state to offer statewide coverage for prenatal care, aiming to address health disparities among low-income and minority communities.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a plan to provide 40 hours of paid leave for pregnant individuals to attend prenatal medical appointments.
The proposal is part of a broader initiative to improve maternal and infant health in the state, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
If approved, New York would become the first state to establish statewide coverage for prenatal care.
The proposal also includes waiving co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy-related benefits for New Yorkers enrolled in certain health plans, providing funding for free portable cribs for economically disadvantaged New Yorkers, and launching new initiatives to reduce the rate of unnecessary cesarean sections.
State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages expressed support for the idea but voiced concerns about potential cuts to other parts of the existing paid family leave program.