John,

I believe that nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and a check up. That’s why we’re becoming the first state in the nation to provide Paid Prenatal Leave.

Starting January 1, 2025, pregnant New Yorkers will be able to get 20 hours of paid sick time off to attend pregnancy-related appointments. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is going to be life-changing.  

We know what can happen when a woman isn’t able to get to these critical prenatal appointments: Their health and the health of their babies are put at risk. Studies show that when pregnant women don’t get proper prenatal care, they become three times more likely to die from complications, and their babies become five times more likely to die in infancy. 

As the first mom governor of New York State, I want every mom to feel safe and healthy, and every child to have the very best start in life.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with some outstanding working moms and talk about what paid time off for prenatal care means for them. 

While parenting will always have its challenges, accessing prenatal care shouldn’t be one of them. Paid prenatal leave is going to help 130,000 pregnant women per year get time off for these appointments, lead to healthier pregnancies and births, and make life easier for New York families.  

On January 1, New York will become the first state in the country to offer this program because when it comes to fighting for our families, New York doesn’t follow — we lead.

Ever Upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

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