Ava’s Law (S.6082A/A.5734A) Directs the State Health Department to Develop and Provide Informational Materials to Support Individuals Recovering from a Miscarriage or Stillbirth
Legislation Closes Information Gap and Ensures Critical Recovery Resources Are Accessible for All New Yorkers
Governor Kathy Hochul signed Ava’s Law to support New Yorkers who are recovering from a miscarriage or stillbirth. Legislation (S.6082A/A.5734A) directs the New York State Department of Health to provide the public with information about resources available for individuals who have suffered a pregnancy loss or infant loss. This legislation will ensure child-bearing New Yorkers have access to the support they need to help their mental and physical recovery.
“Far too many parents are forced to deal with the pain and trauma of losing a child to a miscarriage or stillbirth,” Governor Hochul said. “When the worst occurs, it is imperative that we support the mental and physical health of women who are navigating this loss. With Ava’s Law, we can ensure families have access to the support and resources they need as they recover.”
Ava’s Law amends the public health law to direct DOH to provide informational pamphlets for those experiencing pregnancy loss or infant loss on what to expect and resources to help them navigate the healing process. This information will be made available statewide through DOH’s maternal health website. Health care providers who provide direct medical care to individuals and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss or infant loss will offer a printed and/or digital version of the pamphlet as supplemental information.
National research indicates that approximately 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage within the first 22 weeks, a circumstance known as “pregnancy loss.” Studies that look at the mental health of individuals who have physically experienced pregnancy loss have found that 55 percent suffered depression following the loss. Medical research also shows that women are at higher risk of depression following a stillbirth, also known as “infant loss.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “I proudly champion Ava's Law, which stands as a testament to our acknowledgment of the profound impact that pregnancy and infant loss have on countless families. By enacting this legislation, we strive to eliminate the information gap by mandating the creation of informational pamphlets in collaboration with reputable organizations. Ava's Law underscores our commitment to accessible resources, ensuring affected individuals have access to vital services like mental health care, milk banks, gynecological support, and postpartum doula services. By making these resources available statewide we reinforce New York's dedication to reproductive care and empower healthcare providers to guide healing and support. It is one of the great honors of my career to pass Ava's Law, a compassionate and essential piece of legislation that empowers those enduring pregnancy and infant loss with the knowledge and resources they need during this difficult time.”
Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul along with my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate for their overwhelming support of this important legislation. New York is among the leading states in its effort to provide quality reproductive care. This legislation also known as ‘Ava’s Law’ is a positive step toward further assisting healthcare professionals in making a difference in how pregnancy loss or infant loss is experienced. This bill will provide informational pamphlets on what to expect and resources available to help them navigate through the healing process.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The loss of a child during pregnancy is a devastating occurrence for parents and families to endure, and one many New Yorkers quietly face. I thank Governor Hochul for supporting this legislation which will make certain New Yorkers have access to quality resources during what can be an overwhelming time of grief and need.”
Kaitesi Munroe, mother of the law's namesake said, “As a proud NYS native, I thank Governor Hochul, Senator Fernandez and Assemblyman Pretlow for addressing this gap to further support those who are navigating the painful heartbreak of pregnancy and infant loss. This law was a collective effort following the loss of our babygirl Ava to ensure that others are equipped with empowering resources during a powerless time.”