NY J01259

Requests Governor Hochul to proclaim September 14-20, 2025, as Birth Center Awareness Week in New York State

Highlights that only 8 birth centers currently operate across New York State, and Queens (population 2.4+ million) has no freestanding birth center despite being one of the nation's most diverse communities

Recognizes Birth By Queens Foundation's efforts to establish the first freestanding birth center in Queens to address local maternal health disparities

Cites research showing midwifery-led birth centers reduce cesarean sections, lower preterm and low-birthweight births, increase breastfeeding rates, and provide cost-effective care

Notes a 33.2% increase in families choosing community births between 2019 and 2022, with growth across Black, Native American, Hispanic, White, and Asian families