New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01039

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/11/26  
Engrossed
2/24/26  

Caption

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is significant as it aims to enhance patient education and informed consent regarding cesarean sections. By requiring clear communication of the risks, such as potential complications and future reproductive considerations, the bill seeks to reduce the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries. Therefore, it is expected to promote better health outcomes for mothers and infants by encouraging more vaginal births where feasible. Additionally, this legislative change aligns with broader efforts to make healthcare practices more transparent and responsive to patient needs.

Summary

Bill A01039 amends the public health law in New York, establishing a duty for healthcare providers to inform patients about the risks associated with planned and unplanned primary cesarean sections. The bill mandates that for planned cesarean deliveries, healthcare providers must deliver written communication detailing the risks and benefits associated with cesarean births, highlighting that while they can be life-saving, vaginal births are generally preferable in the absence of specific medical indications. This communication is aimed at ensuring that patients are fully aware of the implications of their delivery choices.

Contention

While the bill has many advocates due to its focus on patient rights and safety, it may face contention regarding the perceived autonomy of healthcare providers and potential implications for their practice. Some providers may view the requirements as overly burdensome, potentially complicating clinical decision-making during labor and delivery. Furthermore, debates may arise over what constitutes adequate communication of risks, and whether the mandated information might instill fear or lead to increased hesitancy among patients considering cesarean deliveries.

Companion Bills

NY S07879

Same As Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Previously Filed As

NY S07879

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

NY S07544

Establishes the cesarean births review board; provides such board shall be comprised of multidisciplinary experts to review the rate of cesarean births at hospitals in the state; provides reporting requirements.

NY A10073

Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients.

NY S09580

Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients.

NY S07545

Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients.

NY HB1104

Health; prohibit certain examinations on an unconscious patient or a patient undergoing anesthesia without prior informed consent or authorization

NY S04903

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

NY A10421

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

NY A09281

Requires medical insurers to permit patients to assign their payments.

NY A10249

Includes certain willful representations made by physicians, physician's assistants, and specialist's assistants to patients and clients, or relating to patients' and clients' private health information, as professional misconduct.

Similar Bills

NY S07879

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

NJ S1066

Requires Commissioner of Health to establish maternity care public awareness campaign.

NJ A966

Requires Commissioner of Health to establish maternity care public awareness campaign.

NJ S2941

Requires DOH to develop shared decision-making tool and establish maternal health care pilot program.

NJ A2084

Requires DOH to develop shared decision-making tool and establish maternal health care pilot program.

NY S07544

Establishes the cesarean births review board; provides such board shall be comprised of multidisciplinary experts to review the rate of cesarean births at hospitals in the state; provides reporting requirements.

NJ S2470

Directs DOH to develop standardized perinatal health curriculum for community health workers.

FL H0747

Doula Services in Maternal Health Initiatives