March 14, 2024 — A new law in New Jersey guarantees every pregnant person the right to have a doula present in hospitals and birthing centers — a milestone for maternal health and equity across the state.
At the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSNJ) in Trenton, doulas and advocates are celebrating the change while expanding access to culturally responsive care. “One of my first clients was a Nigerian family, same tribe, same language,” said Uzo Achebe, who oversees CHSNJ’s Safer Childbirth Cities program. “I think it’s so beautiful to have that cultural representation. Having someone who is trained in making sure you are safe and advocated for in the birthing space is so important.”
CHSNJ’s bilingual doula training program helps mothers navigate pregnancy and communicate effectively with providers, ensuring language and cultural barriers don’t compromise care. The initiative — funded in part by The Burke Foundation, which invested $500,000 to launch Trenton’s first bilingual doula program — is building a workforce that better reflects New Jersey’s diversity.