Florida lawmakers have filed legislation that would establish a new state-backed pilot program aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes by expanding access to doula services in South Florida.
Sen. Rosalind Osgood (D–Fort Lauderdale) and Rep. Daryl Campbell (D–Fort Lauderdale) have introduced SB 514 and HB 515, respectively, titled the Doula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program. The proposal would create a structured, evidence-based program within the Florida Department of Health to provide nonmedical doula support to pregnant and postpartum women in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
Under the bill, trained doulas would offer continuous support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, with a particular focus on women facing substance use disorders and those from historically underserved communities. Lawmakers say the initiative is designed to address longstanding disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes across the state.
“For far too long, women have been facing barriers to safe, supported births,” Osgood said in a statement. “By expanding access to trained doulas, we are giving our minority communities the culturally competent, continuous care they deserve.”
Campbell emphasized the role doulas can play during childbirth, particularly in communities where access to maternal support is limited. “Too many families—especially in underserved communities—experience childbirth as a moment filled with uncertainty instead of support,” he said, adding that the bill responds to community demand for doula services that are often excluded from traditional healthcare systems.
If approved, the pilot program would require collaboration between the Department of Health and local hospitals, healthcare providers, WIC offices, birthing centers, community organizations, and maternal health programs to coordinate outreach and service delivery. Doulas participating in the program would provide prenatal education, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, advocacy, and emotional support.
The legislation would fund the pilot through existing “Closing the Gap” appropriations, while also directing the Department of Health to seek additional federal funding. It would also establish a Doula Certification Task Force responsible for developing statewide competency and certification standards, with a final report due by January 1, 2028.
Supporters say the pilot program could serve as a foundation for broader maternal health reforms in Florida if it proves successful. The bill will now move through the legislative process during the upcoming session.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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