Postpartum Depression: PI-GRO Advocates for the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
PI-GRO advocates for legislation addressing prevention of and mental health services for women at risk for or with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
PI-GRO staff was actively involved in drafting the Melanie Blocker Stokes Post Partum Depression Research and Care Act in 2001. Sponsored by Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL), this legislation overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House by a vote of 383-3 in October 2007. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has introduced similar legislation, and PI-GRO staff has worked to pass this legislation in the Senate. This bill is expected to pass the Senate in 2008, and remains a top legislative priority for the office.
For mothers and their families, APA’s Women’s Programs Office offers a brochure with information and resources, to help identify and cope with postpartum depression.
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