Gov. Hochul has signed legislation called Ava’s Law to support New Yorkers recovering from a miscarriage or stillbirth.
The measure directs the State Department of Health to provide the public with information about resources available for individuals suffering from a pregnancy or infant loss. Ava’s Law amends public health law to direct the Department of Health to provide informational pamphlets to those experiencing infant or pregnancy loss on what to expect and resources to help them navigate the healing process. This info will be made available statewide through the Department of Health’s maternal health website.
Studies looking at the mental health of individuals who’ve experienced pregnancy loss found that 55% experienced depression after the loss. Medical research also shows women are at higher risk of depression following a stillbirth, also known as “infant loss”.
