New bill targets postpartum depression
New legislation was introduced last Friday by Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Durbin (D-IL) which promotes increased research, education and access to screenings for postpartum depression for new mothers. The bill, known as The Mom’s Opportunity To Access Help, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression (MOTHERS) Act, also proposes grants to health care providers in order to better facilitate the delivery of healthcare to those suffering from postpartum depression. You can read the ACNM’s statement of support for this legislation here, and Senator Menendez’s statement on the proposed bill here. Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of all postpartum women any time from a month to a year after childbirth, and can be incredibly devastating to both the woman and her family, so a bill like this is an encouraging sign, and definitely deserves our support.
