New York is expanding its commitment to healthy outcomes for mothers and families.

The state is the first in America to pay for prenatal leave to all employees.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that starting next year, all employees in the state will get 20 hours of paid “prenatal personal leave” during any 52-week calendar.

The time is for medical appointments during or related to pregnancy.

The new mandate aims to prevent maternal and infant deaths in New York.