ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 120

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 18, 2019

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 120 (1R).

      Senate Joint Resolution No. 120 (1R) designates March 22 to March 28 of each year as “Doula Appreciation Week” in New Jersey to coincide with World Doula Week.  Doulas, who can be found in more than 50 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth.  Leading professional societies have recognized the well-established benefits of doula support, which include lower cesarean section rates, fewer obstetric interventions, and fewer complications during and after childbirth.

      As reported, this bill is identical to Assembly Joint Resolution 184 (1R), as amended and reported by the committee on this date.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiting a fiscal note.