LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — Louisiana Medicaid will now cover additional services for pregnant women.

House Bill 454 would require Medicaid coverage for maternity services provided by a doula, a trained non-medical professionals who provide emotional and physical assistance to birthing individuals.

Louisiana currently ranks among the top five states with the highest maternity and infant mortality rates. The new law will benefit the state, as studies have shown that doula services reduce some pregnancy risks. According to the National Institute of Health, the use of a doula through the labor process decreases the use of cesarean deliveries, thus improving the probability of positive labor outcomes for the pregnant patient and the baby.

The agency noted statistics that showed a significant correlation between positive delivery outcomes and the support of a doula. The new law will benefit women of color in Louisiana, primarily black women, who are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy complications when compared to White women.

To have Medicaid cover doula services rendered, the individual must be a registered doula in Louisiana. If you or someone you know would like to register, visit ldh.la.gov.

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