I am changing this petition. The DOH took heed and wrote specific guidelines (see below) that determined partners are essential to the care of laboring people and people in the postpartum period. That was the express goal of this petition—getting the DOH to issue Labor & Delivery guidelines.

That said, we have now have a bigger fight on our hands as a large hospital system defies the DOH recommendations and has banned all support for people in labor. The far reaching effects of this will be catastrophic. This is a dangerous policy and people will give birth alone, there will be more complications and more devastating outcomes.  We will continue to fight. We must ensure that no one gives birth alone! 

https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/COVID-19%20Pregnancy%20Guidance%20for%20Providers%203.21.20.pdf?token=AWzBCeH3zMJEZQ5xL4YoXzGxkHODQ28gqrDd7KpFwWl1IMKrujomb1ovQKxWYX78Rn6vTvS7ZSvoDPo1n-ppJRreqR8o7prmoErW5kDCbUesJSekbW-xE6wFoTx4D1qslgdJV30tFJVZftc6QLJp0sRWN_5zxJHYksahvD1lJRxPUuwBqYMy_3d6yWz9OcGEQRE