Gov. Kathy Hochul of Albany proposed on Feb. 1, 2023, that pregnant workers should be granted 40 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments. This proposal is intended to accommodate pregnant workers and combat the increasing rates of newborn and maternal deaths. The expansion of the state’s Paid Family Leave law requires approval from the State Legislature. If passed, it would offer up to 40 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments during pregnancy. As it currently stands, families are only eligible for paid leave four weeks prior to a child’s birth and after a seven-day waiting period. Gov. Hochul emphasized the need for her proposed changes amongst lower-income, minority families being disproportionately affected by rising death rates. Further details about this expansion, including costs to employers and workers, are expected to be revealed with Hochul’s State of the State address. The fiscal impact may not be disclosed until Jan. 16, during Hochul’s budget proposal to the Legislature. Some are advocating for a cautious approach to expanding Paid Family Leave policies. They suggest reviewing the extended paid sick leave law for workers contracting COVID19 to better accommodate businesses adjusting to these changes.