Cuomo: Women in Childbirth May Have Partner for Full Hospitalization

New York - Women giving birth must be allowed to have someone with them during their full hospitalization, not just for the labor and delivery, Gov. Andrew Cuomo decreed in an executive order Wednesday.

Cuomo accepted all six recommendations made by a task force he established to examine how to make things easier for women in childbirth during the coronavirus. The task force was chaired by Melissa DeRosa, the secretary to the governor.

Also included in the order was the immediate establishment of additional birthing sites operated by currently established licensed birthing hospitals and centers. The order directs the department of health to expedite, within the next 45 days, the finalization of the licensure process for the establishment of midwifery led birthing centers in the state.

 Cuomo updated his executive order authorizing at least one support person to accompany a pregnant woman for the duration of their stay to clarify that it includes labor, delivery and the postpartum period, including recovery. The order added that doulas are considered an essential need and should be allowed to accompany the new mom aside for the support person.

 (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)