My fault. I saw a story on the Today show sometime over the summer about this, and I obviously misunderstood. It seems there isn't such a ban. However, according to this link, free formula samples will not be included in the gift bags moms receive at hospitals in NYC:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...ital-gift-bag/
It still bothers me, although not as much as it did when I thought new moms weren't allowed to bottle-feed.