Advancing Policy and Advocacy Work: Ancient Song

Birth Justice Fund grantee Ancient Song continued to advance key policy and advocacy work in 2023 to advance birth equity and community-led solutions at the local, state, and federal levels.

In response to years of advocacy and organizing of doulas, birth workers, and other grassroots leaders in New York State, Ancient Song celebrated the passage and signing of a bill that will create a community doula directory and enforce a new policy allowing doula services to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement as of January 1, 2024.

Ancient Song was deeply involved in pushing for these changes in a way that centers community-based birth workers serving Black and Brown birthing people across the state and was present at the bill signing alongside other New York birth justice advocates.

Through 2024, they will continue to be involved in the passage of this bill to ensure that implementation is accountable to their community and doulas.