Doulas services could be expanded under IL Democratic bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Doula services can be used in Illinois, but a Democratic plan would hope to expand access to doulas to support pregnant people.

The proposal would require hospitals to have a written policy on doulas and allow any patient to bring a Medicaid certified doula of their choosing to the hospital.

State Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago) said this bill is important for people wanting to have kids.

"This bill ensures patient care receives doula services and lifts the barrier of care to codifying states authority to issue standard recommendation," Morris said.

This legislation passed the House human services committee unanimously. It will now head to the House floor, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.