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Issue Brief Mechanisms for Advancing Health EquityReproductive Health and Equity Maternal and Child Health

­The Positive Impact of Doula Care and State Regulation of Doulas and Doula Care

October 3, 2024

Overview

Fewer than 10 percent of births in the United States involve a doula. Increasing access to safe and effective doula care could decrease the high maternal morbidity and mortality rate in the U.S. This issue brief examines the role of doulas, state regulation of doulas, and how to expand doula care access and coverage through policy.