ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4222

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 6, 2024

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4222.

      This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish a public awareness campaign to provide information to the general public about doulas. 

      At a minimum, the campaign will include information on:  the role of doulas in supporting individuals before, during, and after pregnancy;  the services offered by doulas and the evidenced-based benefits of those services; and  any free or low-cost resources in the State related to doula services or increasing access to doula services.

      The commissioner will, at a minimum:  (1)  provide for the development of printed and electronic educational materials about doulas in the top ten languages most commonly spoken in the State; and  (2)  make those materials available for download on the Department of Human Services Internet website and disseminate those materials for distribution to the public through a variety of entities, including, but not limited to: local health agencies and clinics; local health care providers and facilities;  reproductive health service providers, including, but not limited to, Planned Parenthood health clinics;  local WIC agencies and clinic offices; county human services offices, pharmacies, and other community-based outreach programs and organizations in the State.