On January 4, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Wyckoff Heights Medical Center to unveil the third proposal of her 2024 State of the State: a comprehensive six-point plan to combat maternal and infant mortality in New York. Recent CDC statistics revealed an increase in infant mortality – for the first time in over two decades. To address this crisis, Governor Hochul will introduce new policies and legislation to expand access to high-quality prenatal care, reduce costs for mothers and families, fight postpartum depression and support infants in the first months of their lives.
Said Governor Hochul, “For the first time in two decades, our infant mortality rates…actually went up. And that is so shocking. Mothers and babies are dying unnecessarily across the nation, and right here in New York. This can only be called a crisis. And as the first mom Governor, this is personal…And I’m committed to taking action to fix it.”
She continued, “Every mother, every family deserves to have the joy and excitement associated with pregnancy and childbirth, not fear and trepidation as we bring these little people into the world. When all families have the support they need… we keep moms and babies alive, and our potential is limitless…We can do better. I know we can…So, as a mom, as your Governor, that is my commitment to all of you.”