ADVANCING BIRTH JUSTICE: Community-Based Doula Models as a Standard of Care for Ending Racial Disparities

This document will outline the ways in which community-based doula programs in New York State have been strategically implemented to serve families most at risk for poor maternal and infant health outcomes. By elevating human rights and reproductive justice principles, community-led doula support serves as a model for envisioning new approaches to the current maternal health crisis in the US. It will also outline successful elements of community-based doula trainings and practices that would enhance the New York State Pilot and help it meet its ultimate goal of reducing disparities.