TRENTON, NJ – A new bill in New Jersey mandates the creation of a public awareness campaign about doulas, led by the Commissioner of Human Services in consultation with the Commissioner of Health. The campaign aims to educate the public on the roles of doulas in providing support before, during, and after pregnancy, the services they offer, and their evidence-based benefits.
A doula is a woman, typically without formal obstetric training, who is employed to provide guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labor.
This initiative will focus on developing and distributing printed and electronic educational materials in the top ten languages most commonly spoken in the state. These resources will be accessible for download on the Department of Human Services website and distributed through various channels including local health agencies, clinics, healthcare facilities, reproductive health service providers like Planned Parenthood, local WIC agencies, county human services offices, pharmacies, and other community-based organizations throughout New Jersey. This effort is designed to increase public access to information on doula services, including free or low-cost options.
According to the National Health Law Plan, “There are currently no mandatory licensure, certification, or credentialing requirements for doulas to practice in the United States. But to receive payment from a state’s Medicaid program, doulas must meet the state’s relevant qualification standards.”