New York City Council Votes to Pass Legislation that Strengthens Maternal Care Supports and Increases Transparency of Maternal Mortality Information

Council also passed legislation to increase transparency and efficiency in contracting and procurement processes

City Hall - Today, the New York City Council voted to pass a package of legislation to strengthen maternal health support for birthing people before, during, and after pregnancy and improve transparency of maternal mortality information. In New York City, an average of more than 20 women die each year from pregnancy-related causes and additional deaths occur from pregnancy-associated causes. The latest available data reveals that Black New Yorkers are six times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes compared to white New Yorkers. The maternal mortality crisis, which has severe racially disparate impacts, has been a priority for the Council to address.

The Council also passed legislation to increase efficiency and transparency in the city's contracting and procurement processes by providing information on subcontracting decisions, establishing standardized insurance policy requirements for food vendors, and creating a formal mechanism to challenge procurement decisions.

"As a city, we must come together to address the solvable issue of maternal mortality and strengthen maternal health supports for women and people who can become pregnant," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "When you look at the severe racial disparities in the cases of maternal mortality, it becomes clear that this is a public health emergency that requires comprehensive solutions. The Council is proud to continue our work on maternal health with this legislative package to make critical health information and resources more transparent and accessible. New Yorkers are counting on us to treat this public health crisis with the urgency and dignity that our mothers deserve, and I look forward to our continued work with stakeholders across the city to address the preventable causes that underlie maternal mortality."

Strengthening Maternal Health Supports to Continue Combating Maternal Mortality

Introduction 912-B, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to develop materials that identify resources for parents and guardians of newborn children and distribute such information to new parents and guardians after receiving the registration of any birth. The bill would also require DOHMH to maintain a searchable directory of community-based organizations supporting maternal health available on their website.

"It's unacceptable that new parents in New York City are left to navigate a maze of resources during one of the most stressful times of their lives," said Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez. "The Newborn Navigator Act is a no-brainer-it's about using simple tech solutions to make sure vital information is as easy to access as anything else on your phone. We can't afford to let more parents and infants fall through the cracks because of bureaucracy or outdated systems. Every family deserves clear access to the support they need, without the struggle. We should have been doing this all along, and it's time we make it right."

Introduction 891-A, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would require DOHMH to annually post information related to the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee - established to analyze clinical factors and social determinants of health related to maternal mortality - on its website.

Introduction 892-A, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would require employers to distribute their written lactation room accommodation policy to an employee when they are hired and to post the policy in the workplace as well as on the employer's intranet, if one exists.

"Today, the City Council has taken vital steps toward protecting maternal health and workplace equity by passing Intros 891 and 892. These bills ensure transparency in maternal health oversight and mandate lactation accommodations for working mothers. No woman should face preventable risks during childbirth, nor should new mothers have to choose between work and providing for their children," said Council Member Farah N. Louis, Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity. "I am committed to ensuring that our institutions support and protect all women and legislate transparency and accountability for mothers across our city. I want to thank Speaker Adams for her unwavering commitment to equity and advancing this crucial legislation."

Resolution 133-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursement to cover eight pre- and post-natal visits, as well as delivery support by doulas.

The New York Coalition for Doula Access (NYCDA) stressed that implementing an equitable Medicaid reimbursement rate for doula services would exponentially increase access to doulas, help retain doulas in the profession, and improve health outcomes for families.

"New York State must increase Medicaid reimbursement to include doula care for newly expectant mothers, providing them with essential emotional, physical, and educational support when they are most vulnerable and in need of support," said Council Member Julie Menin. "As a mother and as co-chair of the Women's Caucus, I can't overstate the importance of access to equitable pre and post-natal medical care in our city. Resolution 133 is a crucial step toward ensuring mothers receive vital Medicaid reimbursement for essential pre- and postnatal care, which is vital for the health of women and their newborns. Thank you Speaker Adams for advancing this resolution as part of the maternal health package being voted on today."

Resolution 293-A, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2898A/A.4017A, also known as the Chisholm Chance Act, which would establish a plan to address the severe maternal morbidity crisis in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Brooklyn and the Bronx in particular carry a disproportionate burden of maternal and infant mortality rates, with residents of Brooklyn, followed by the Bronx, reportedly having among the highest number of both pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths.

"As a mother myself, I know firsthand the importance of ensuring that our healthcare systems prioritize the safety and well-being of Black women and birthing people. The disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly in the Bronx and Brooklyn, are both tragic and preventable," said Council Member Althea Stevens. "The Chisholm Chance Act is a necessary step toward addressing the systemic racism and inequities that have left too many of our mothers and babies vulnerable. In a country where women's rights are under attack, we owe it to our communities as a city to create safer pathways to childbirth to save lives and protect future generations."

Increasing Transparency and Efficiency in Contracting and Procurement Processes

Introduction 801-A, sponsored by Council Members Julie Won, would provide contractors with more insight into agency decisions by establishing a process where contractors can request explanations for subcontractor denials, which agencies must provide within 30 days.

Introduction 802-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won would require the City Chief Procurement Officer (CCPO) to establish a mandatory standard insurance policy for all food procurement vendors. This legislation would help ensure consistent and appropriate insurance coverage across city food procurement contracts, potentially reducing risks associated with food-related services.

Introduction 803-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won, would provide vendors with a formal mechanism to challenge procurement decisions, aiming to enhance fairness and transparency in the city's procurement process.

"The passing of my bill Intro. 802 will level the playing field for our local restaurants, especially M/WBEs, to compete with large catering companies that have historically won contracts for food procurement at city shelters," said Council Member Julie Won, Chair of the Committee on Contracts. "Last year, the city spent $463,000,000 on food contracts for food that is rotten, cold, and culturally and religiously insensitive. Intro 802 will standardize a complicated set of insurance requirements for vendors and will save the city money while allowing local restaurants in our communities to have a fighting chance at the city's procurement process."

Beautifying Sidewalk Sheds and Construction Fences

Introduction 956-C, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would update the technical requirements for artwork on sidewalk sheds and construction fences, and allow for approved or alternative artwork to be affixed or painted directly on such structures.

The pervasiveness of sidewalk sheds and construction fences is accentuated by their inability to

blend with their surroundings, given the requirement that sidewalk sheds and construction fences be universally painted hunter green. Introduction 956-C builds upon Local Law 163 of 2021, which made permanent the City Canvas program, which first began the display of approved artwork on temporary protective structures, such as sidewalk sheds, fences, and scaffolding.

"New York City is a beacon of arts and culture, and the City Canvas program allows local artists to display their work on the sidewalk sheds, scaffolding, and fences of the city," said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries. Sidewalk sheds are important in keeping people safe as buildings are maintained, but they can have impacts on local economies and quality of life. I'm proud to work with DCLA and Commissioner Cumbo to protect small businesses and enhance the beauty of our streetscape through this program, and look forward to seeing more vibrant and inspired protective structures in communities across the city."

Land Use

South Jamaica Gateway Rezoning - an application by HPD to facilitate the development of 2 mixed-use residential and community facility buildings containing approximately 143 senior and affordable housing units in the districts of Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams.

MHANY Multifamily Preservation Loan Program - an application by HPD that seeks UDAA designation, UDAAP approval, and Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the preservation of an affordable housing project spanning across 4 city-owned buildings in the districts of Council Member Rita Joseph, Council Member Farah Louis, and Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. The rehabilitation of these buildings will create 12 rental units and 1 commercial space under the HPD Multifamily Preservation Loan Program.

South Bushwick Neighborhood Homes - an application to facilitate the creation of new affordable homeownership units on city-owned sites in the districts of Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and Council Member Sandy Nurse under the HPD Open Door Program.

31-17 12thStreet Rezoning - an application to facilitate a new 5-story residential building with 35 housing units, 9 of which will be permanently affordable units under MIH in Council Member Tiffany Caban's district. The Council is modifying this application to add the MIH Deep Affordability Option.

343 West 47th Street Special Demolition Permit - an application for a special permit to allow the demolition of a portion of the residential floor area of an existing building in Council Member Erik Bottcher's district. This permit request comes after approved partial demolitions in 2019 and 2020

250 86th StreetRezoning - an application to facilitate the legalization of a two-story mixed-use building containing medical offices and residential space in Brooklyn's Special Bay Ridge District. The Council will modify this application to change the proposed R6B district to an R5D district and modify the rezoning area boundaries in Council Member Justin Brannan's District.

Coney Island Phase III - an application by HPD that seeks approval of an Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the construction of a mixed-used building containing 420 affordable housing units, as well as commercial and community facility space in Council Member Justin Brannan's District. Rents will be affordable to families at incomes ranging from 30 to 90 percent of the area median income. At least 15% of units will be reserved for referred formerly homeless tenants, who will pay 30% of their income as rent.

The Landmark Preservation Commission's designation of the Brooklyn Edison Building was the original headquarters of our city's leading electricity company serving Brooklyn from the late nineteenth century through the mid twentieth century. It was built in the Renaissance Revival style and housed ahead-of-its-time lighting and telephone system. The building has housed a number of businesses since the Brooklyn Edison Company merged with Con Ed in 1943, and today it is used as an office building with commercial space in Council Member Lincoln Restler's District.

The Landmark Preservation Commission's interior designation of the 1 Wall Street Banking Room was completed in 1931 and is decorated in the Art Deco style. Designed by architects Ralph Walker and Perry Coke Smith and muralist Hildreth Meiére, the banking room features intricate mosaics and a 30-foot-high ceiling. The Interior Banking Room will soon be converted for retail use for a department store in Council Member Christopher Marte's District.

Finance

A transparency resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.

A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, establishing a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for one building in Council Member David Carr's district.

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