To raise awareness about the risk factors, signs, symptoms, and treatment options for maternal mental health conditions, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) on Monday proposed a bipartisan resolution to designate May 5-11 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Untreated maternal mental health disorders impact one in five mothers and cost the United States $14.2 billion each year,” Rep. Kim said. “The emotional toll of mental health challenges on women cannot be overstated, yet far too few women seek the help that they need during pregnancy.”
Rep. Kim sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 1193 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), who both serve as co-chairs of the Maternity Care Caucus. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) also signed on as an original cosponsor.
If enacted, H.Res. 1193 also would recognize that maternal mental health disorders and maternal suicide are serious public health problems, promote initiatives that address provider shortages, and call for an increase in affordable access to treatment for maternal mental health disorders, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to recognize Maternal Mental Health Awareness week and highlight the importance of maternal health care,” said Rep. Kim. “I will keep working as co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus to deliver results and support women, whether they are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or facing infertility.”
Additionally, H.Res. 1193 would encourage research on safe and effective treatments for pregnant and postpartum women, support dissemination of updated data on evidence-based treatments to the medical community and public, and urge provider training on the treatment of maternal mental health disorders, among other provisions.
“We must end the stigma and increase access to treatment for moms suffering from mental health challenges,” Rep. Kelly said. “These services are especially important in light of heightened maternal mortality, morbidity, and mental health needs, disproportionately impacting communities of color, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
MemorialCare endorsed the resolution, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.