Legislation to help new mothers with postpartum depression heard with broad support in Senate committee
Postpartum suicide is the second leading cause of death for new mothers
Jefferson City, MO – Legislation to help the estimated 1 in 7 new mothers with symptoms of postpartum depression was heard this week in the Senate’s Health and Pensions Committee. This legislation comes as the federal Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first-ever prescription drug for treating postpartum depression.
Senate Bill 263, sponsored by State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, would require certain health care providers to give information on postpartum depression to new parents, and offer voluntary screening for new mothers during their regularly scheduled well-woman and well-baby check-ups following pregnancy.
“Missouri has a higher maternal mortality rate than 41 other states, meaning Missouri moms are dying more often than other moms throughout the country. A significant contributor to this devastating statistic is suicide,” said Sen. Schupp. “These deaths are preventable, the underlying issues are treatable, and this legislation can help keep new families healthy and safe.”
Senate Bill 263 also ensures that women who screen positive for postpartum depression are able to receive access to treatment. MO HealthNet benefits for pregnant women would extend from 60 days postpartum to up to one year for mental health services.
Earlier this month, in announcing its approval of the new postpartum depression treatment, the FDA cited the seriousness and deadly consequences of severe postpartum depression:
“Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life-threatening. Women may experience thoughts about harming themselves or harming their child. Postpartum depression can also interfere with the maternal-infant bond. This approval marks the first time a drug has been specifically approved to treat postpartum depression, providing an important new treatment option,” said Tiffany Farchione, M.D., acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Senate Bill 263 now awaits a committee vote.
For more information on Sen. Schupp’s legislation, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.
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