New York just made history: Pregnant workers will get paid prenatal leave starting 2025

Big news for expecting moms in New York: Starting January 1, 2025, pregnant workers in the state will get up to 20 hours of paid prenatal leave. Yes, you read that right: PAID. This first-of-its-kind policy gives moms the time (and financial support) to prioritize their health and ensure their babies get the best possible start.

Here’s why this is huge: For too long, paid leave has been treated like an “expense” businesses can’t afford. But New York just flipped the script, recognizing that investing in moms isn’t just good for families—it’s good for businesses, communities, and future generations.

According to the state’s release, pregnant women will soon be able to take paid time off for:

• Physical examinations
• Medical procedures
• Monitoring
• Testing
• Discussions with a health care provider needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy
• Fertility treatment
• End of pregnancy care

Of course, they should have been able to take this time off all along. But until now, it was just a dream for American mothers.

The science behind the policy

Prenatal care isn’t just about check-ups—it’s a proven lifesaver. Regular prenatal visits lower the risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and maternal mortality. Babies born to mothers who receive care are three times less likely to have low birth weight and five times less likely to die in infancy.

Prenatal visits also allow healthcare providers to manage potential issues like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, offer guidance on nutrition and exercise, and provide interventions like folic acid supplementation to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.

For moms, consistent care during pregnancy also leads to better mental health outcomes. Intervention during pregnancy, such as consistent prenatal care or targeted mental health support reduces the likelihood of developing postpartum anxiety and depression by more than 70%, according to studies. That means healthier, happier moms—and stronger families overall.

Together, pre-pregnancy and prenatal care lay the groundwork for healthier pregnancies and healthier babies, minimizing risks of complications and improving developmental outcomes for children. By fostering maternal and infant health from the very beginning, these interventions contribute to stronger families and reduced social and economic burdens over time.

Related: 5 crucial reasons why America needs to prioritize paid parental leave

Why this matters for moms everywhere

Governor Kathy Hochul said it best: “No pregnant woman in New York should be forced to choose between a paycheck and a check-up.”

And she’s right. This policy is a game-changer for New York moms, but it’s also a reminder of what all moms across the U.S. deserve. Paid prenatal leave should be a standard, not a luxury.

Right now, too many women are forced to choose between their health and their paycheck. Nearly 40% of women who missed out on prenatal care said it was due to a lack of paid leave or unaffordable care—a statistic that highlights the urgency of Governor Hochul’s groundbreaking paid prenatal leave policy. The result is higher risks for both moms and babies, as well as increased long-term costs for everyone.

Why businesses should take note

Here’s the thing: Paid leave isn’t just good for moms—it’s smart for businesses. Research shows that investing in employee wellness leads to higher retention rates, increased productivity, and lower healthcare costs in the long run.

Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, stronger teams, and better morale. And when you support working parents, you build loyalty and trust—key drivers of any successful workplace.

Related: This study proves that paid parental leave benefits moms’ health—for decades

New York sets the bar

This policy has set a bold example for the rest of the country. By recognizing that prenatal care is a necessity, not a privilege, the state is investing in the long-term wellbeing of its people. And that investment will pay dividends—through healthier families, stronger communities, and a more equitable society.

Now, it’s time for the rest of the U.S. to catch up. Every mom, no matter where she lives, deserves to put her health and her baby’s health first. Paid prenatal leave isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

Sources:

1. Unlocking the ROI potential of employee wellness programs. Talkspace. Unlocking the ROI potential of employee wellness programs.
2. Ensuring Healthy Births Through Prenatal Support. 2020. Cap 20. Ensuring Healthy Births Through Prenatal Support.
3. January 1, 2025 Start Date for First-in-the-Nation Paid Prenatal Leave. 2024. New York State. Money in Your Pockets: Ahead of January 1, 2025 Start Date for First-in-the-Nation Paid Prenatal Leave, Governor Hochul Announces New Campaign to Mobilize Eligible New Yorkers.
4. Prenatal care. OASH. Prenatal care.
5. New York takes steps to improve affordability for working families. 2024. 2WGRZ. New York takes steps to improve affordability for working families.