Supporting Parents with Postpartum Depression and Other Mood and Anxiety Disorders
The Maternal Mental Health Depression Screening Tool Bill (S7753) was passed in 2022. This bill comes in response to the under-diagnosis and treatment of women in vulnerable, at-risk populations, particularly Black women. The current screening tool (the EPDS) does not account for social determinants of health and is less effective. The bill requires a study to be conducted on how sensitive and accurate screening tests are and to identify ways to reduce discrimination in transgender & non-binary and racial & ethnic health care that contribute to disparities within current postpartum depression screening protocols. NAMI-NYC is working with the NYS OMH to enforce implementation of this bill.
The Maternal Mental Health Work Group Bill (S7752) would create a workgroup that conducts studies on maternal mental health to improve gaps in identification and support for individuals with perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. After looking into racial and ethnic disparities, risk factors, and successful screening and treatment methods, the research will result in a formal report that also looks to better understand programs, funding, risk factors, screening and treatment methods. This bill was passed by the NYS House and Senate in 2022 but was vetoed by the Governor.
Bill S7865 has not yet been passed and is related to maternal depression screening requirements. When care is being provided for an infant, this bill would require a provider to invite new mothers to fill out a questionnaire to detect maternal depression at prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric checkups for the mother’s child. Postpartum care should be an ongoing process.