Laboring people are being dropped off at the front entrance of their hospital and are walking in alone. They are scared and not always getting the attention of their nurses and doctors when they need it. They are waiting hours for things they need – medicine, epidurals, water. Parents aren't meeting their babies for days. This is happening, right now. IT MUST STOP.

Yesterday, two important things happened in NY State. 

1. The Department of Health issued new guidelines that reaffirmed the right to one support person in labor and delivery. It states: "the visitation policy requires hospitals to allow one support person in labor and delivery settings.
2. Governor Cuomo temporarily suspended laws that penalize licensed midwives – who are in good standing in their own state or Canada – for practicing in NYS. 

Our voices are being heard.  NY State has taken action to support pregnant people and their families during this time of crisis. However, more still needs to be done.  

New York Presbyterian Hospitals, Mount Sinai Hospitals and Staten Island University Hospital are not bound to comply with the DOH guidelines. We must continue to pressure them to change their rules, internally. You can use this tweet to challenge their dangerous policies. 

The decision to have a safe, dignified birth should not be a financial burden. We also need to ensure that home births are covered by insurance during this time. There is another petition here, to do just that – please sign! 

In the past week, stories of people giving birth alone have been pouring in. They are heartbreaking and so important. Please continue to share your stories, photos and videos to BirthPetitionContent@gmail.com.  

We will not stop fighting till this is over.