North Carolina has made several legislative efforts to increase access to doula care and
2021-2022 Legislation
SB 393 requires a statewide analysis of doula care by the Department of Health and Human Services. The analysis is intended to inform the development of insurance coverage and reimbursement policies for doula services. The bill was sponsored by Senator Murdock, Senator Waddell, and Senator Marcus and referred to committee on March 31, 2021. No further action has been taken.
As part of a broader effort to improve maternal health, SB 632, “The North Carolina Momnibus Act,” creates a Social Determinants of Maternal Health Task Force and a Maternal Mortality Prevention Grant Program to create plans for addressing maternal health issues across the state. Specifically, the Maternal Mortality Prevention Grant Program is required to address “financial support for perinatal health workers who provide nonclinical support to pregnant individuals and postpartum individuals from underserved communities.” While no definition is provided, it is likely that this is speaking to or includes doulas. SB 632 was referred to committee on April 7, 2022 but no further action has been taken.
How to Get Involved in the Lawmaking Process
If you would like to get involved in advocating for similar legislation reach out to your legislator or the legislator who sponsored or co-sponsored similar legislation. Information on sponsors and cosponsors is listed on the bill website.
2019-2020 Legislation
In 2020, SB 732 was proposed to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services. SB 732 was sponsored by Senator Murdock, Senator Waddell, and Senator Marcus. It was referred to committee but no further action was taken.
News Articles
House Bill 488: North Carolina’s Opportunity to Meaningfully Impact Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes, Tyler Fox and Rishika Reddy, HPHR Journal (formerly Harvard Public Health Review) (2021)
NC Momnibus Bill aims to tackle Black maternal health in the state, rural communities, Kristen Johnson, The Fayetteville Observer (April 13, 2021)
The information presented on these pages is for informational purposes only. Links to official documentation and information is provided where and when possible. Please consult local government authorities for current and accurate information.