Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off a statewide campaign on Dec. 2 to promote New York's groundbreaking paid prenatal leave policy, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The initiative, the first of its kind in the U.S., will allow privately employed pregnant workers to take paid leave for medical appointments related to pregnancy.
“No pregnant woman in New York should be forced to choose between a paycheck and a check-up — and that’s why I pushed to create the nation’s first paid prenatal leave policy,” Hochul said through a press release.
Unveiled during Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address and signed into law in April, the policy will provide eligible pregnant workers with an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care, including physical exams, medical procedures, and discussions with healthcare providers. The law applies to all private employers in the state, regardless of size, and covers full-time and part-time employees.
The public awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Labor, will include subway ads, social media outreach, a dedicated webpage, and collaborations with stakeholders and influencers.
Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon highlighted the policy’s impact, saying it not only supports pregnant workers but also strengthens future generations.
“About 130,000 pregnant women annually, including approximately 65,800 hourly workers, will benefit from this law,” Reardon said.
Hochul emphasized that the policy is part of a broader effort to address maternal and infant health disparities. Studies show that prenatal care improves outcomes for mothers and infants, reducing risks of complications, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
Pregnant women of color, particularly Black women, face disproportionately higher rates of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality. In New York, Black women account for 51% of maternal deaths despite representing just 14.3% of births. Hochul's administration has targeted these disparities through Medicaid coverage for doulas, extended postpartum care, and a statewide doula directory.
The paid prenatal leave initiative complements Hochul’s broader agenda to support working families. Recent investments include $1.8 billion in child care, $2.3 billion in property tax relief, and a landmark affordable housing agreement.
“From raising the minimum wage to investing in affordable child care, we’re making New York the best and most affordable place to raise a family,” Hochul said.
The policy positions New York as a national leader in advancing maternal health and workplace equity, ensuring that no worker has to sacrifice income for critical prenatal care.
