Res 1408-2020

Whereas, A novel coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, first emerged in late 2019 and spread rapidly around the world; and Whereas, The virus has greatly impacted New York City, which was the epicenter of the pandemic for months; and Whereas, As of July 28, 2020, 220,907 residents of New York City had tested positive for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, called COVID-19, with over 56,000 hospitalized for treatment; and Whereas, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted New Yorkers who are Black, Latinx, and lower income; and Whereas, New York City's hospital systems were stretched dangerously thin during the crisis, with hospitals concerned about access to equipment and resources; and Whereas, Pregnant people and people giving birth during the pandemic are facing additional stress and barriers to care, along with the typical stress associated with childbirth; and Whereas, According to the New York Times, people who gave birth during the peak of cases in the city in spring 2020 reported issues with being able to have their partners with them for the duration of their recovery, with being separated from their newborns if they test positive for COVID-19, and with other issues; and Whereas, According to the American Association of Birth Centers, a birth center is a freestanding health care facility for childbirth where care is provided in the midwifery and wellness model, and is not a hospital; and Whereas, In 2016, Public Health Law Article 28 was amended to promote midwifery birth centers (MCBs), and, almost four years later, there is not a single MBC licensed under Article 28; and Whereas, According to the New York Times, as of 2018, New York State had only three free-standing birthing centers, whereas Texas had more than 70 centers and California had about 40; and Whereas, To better address the needs of pregnant people and newborns during the pandemic, the State developed a COVID-19 Maternity Task Force; and Whereas; The Task Force recommended the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) move to expedite the finalization of the licensure process for the establishment of midwifery led birthing centers in New York State; and Whereas, By expediting the final licensure process, NYSDOH will help to ensure there are sufficient birthing facilities available to meet community need during emergency situations; and Whereas, Governor Andrew Cuomo, in response to the recommendations, announced that NYSDOH approved two new temporary birthing centers and is also now accepting Certificate of Need applications for MBCs pursuant to Public Health Law Article 28; and Whereas, A. 10440/S. 8307, sponsored by Assembly Member Richard Gottfried and Senator Gustavo Rivera, relates to the accreditation, approval, and operation of MCBs; and Whereas, This legislation would provide that if a proposed MBC meets the standards of a national accrediting organization that specializes in accrediting MBCs and is recognized by NYSDOH, then the proposed MBC shall be deemed to meet New York's requirements for issues covered by those standards; and Whereas, A. 10440/S. 8307 would make it easier for MBCs to be established in New York, which will provide more birthing options for pregnant people; and Whereas, COVID-19 and maternal mortality and morbidity disproportionately impact those who are Black and Latinx, therefore, the state should act to ensure individuals have as many safe birthing options as possible and work to further address racial health disparities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, The Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 10440/S. 8307, relating to accreditation, approval, and operation of midwifery birth centers EB LS 15190 07/28/2020