New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has put forward a proposal to provide pregnant individuals in the state with 40 hours of paid leave for attending prenatal medical appointments. This is part of an initiative to expand New York’s paid family leave policy. The plan requires approval from the state Legislature and is intended to boost access to quality prenatal care and decrease instances of maternal and infant deaths, an issue particularly prevalent in low-income and minority communities.

Currently, New York’s paid family leave policy only comes into effect after a baby’s birth. If the proposal is approved, New York will become the first state to offer statewide coverage for prenatal care.

However, the policy expansion has elicited concerns about possible reductions in other areas of the existing paid family leave program. State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages expressed the need for careful policy formation and program reforms to ensure that all families gain access to these benefits.

Hochul’s proposal also seeks to eliminate co-pays and other costs related to pregnancy for New Yorkers enrolled in specific health plans. The plan further involves state funding for free portable cribs for financially disadvantaged New Yorkers to bring down the number of infant deaths tied to unsafe sleep settings. It also includes the introduction of new initiatives to lower the rate of unnecessary cesarean sections.

Following the proposal, a spokesperson for state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stated that they would review the initiative. New York’s Legislative session began on Wednesday and will conclude in June.