ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY Nos. 4222 and 4944

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 20, 2025

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill Nos. 4222 and 4944.

      As reported, this committee substitute requires the New Jersey Maternal Infant Health Innovation Authority, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, to establish a public awareness campaign to provide information to the general public about the benefits of doula and midwife services.

      Under the substitute, at a minimum the campaign will include:  a comprehensive description of the person-centered and supportive services provided for birthing persons and infants during the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum periods by doulas and midwives; the culturally competent nature of the care and services provided by doulas and midwives to birthing persons; the health benefits and improved maternal and infant health outcomes that may result from doula and midwives; and any free or low-cost resources made available by the State for doula and midwife services.

      The President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Maternal Infant Health Innovation Authority will, at a minimum: (1) provide for the development of printed and electronic educational materials related to the public awareness campaign in additional languages to those State government entities are to use pursuant to P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.); and (2) make those materials available for download online and encourage the distribution of the materials 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.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services concludes that New Jersey Maternal Infant Health Innovation Authority costs will increase by $100,000 annually to establish a public awareness campaign, consisting of print and electronic materials, to educate the public regarding the benefits of doula and midwife services.  Estimated costs are comparable to annual State costs, between FY 2023 and FY 2025, for the Department of Health’s stillbirth prevention public health campaign, which also employs print and electronic media to provide information targeted to pregnant persons.