A new law will support New Yorkers who are recovering from a miscarriage or stillbirth. Ava’s Law directs the New York State Department of Health to provide the public with information about resources available for individuals who have suffered a pregnancy loss or infant loss. This legislation will ensure child-bearing New Yorkers have access to the support they need to help their mental and physical recovery.
Ava’s Law amends the public health law to direct DOH to provide informational pamphlets for those experiencing pregnancy loss or infant loss on what to expect and resources to help them navigate the healing process. This information will be made available statewide through DOH’s maternal health website. Healthcare providers who provide direct medical care to individuals and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss or infant loss will offer a printed and/or digital version of the pamphlet as supplemental information.
National research indicates that approximately 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage within the first 22 weeks, a circumstance known as “pregnancy loss.” Studies that look at the mental health of individuals who have physically experienced pregnancy loss have found that 55 percent suffered depression following the loss. Medical research also shows that women are at higher risk of depression following a stillbirth, also known as “infant loss.”
“Far too many parents are forced to deal with the pain and trauma of losing a child to a miscarriage or stillbirth,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “When the worst occurs, it is imperative that we support the mental and physical health of women who are navigating this loss. With Ava’s Law, we can ensure families have access to the support and resources they need as they recover.”
