Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act introduced in House

U.S. Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Katherine Clark (D-MA) introduced the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act earlier this week.

The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster screening and treatment options for women suffering from postpartum depression. Research indicates that approximately 400,000 women suffer from postpartum depression every year. Sadly, estimates reveal that only 15 percent typically receive any type of treatment.

“Every year, thousands of mothers experience postpartum depression, yet we know it is a treatable condition,” Costello said. “I have joined with Congresswoman Clark to introduce the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act, which would lend a helping hand by providing more resources for states so that new mothers can get the screening and treatment they need for a successful recovery.”

“We want mothers to know that they are not alone, their suffering matters and that needing help doesn’t make them a bad mom,” Clark said. “For too long, stigma and silence have been the biggest barriers to getting women the medical attention they need and deserve. The Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act takes an important step in breaking through that stigma and gives care providers the tools they need to recognize, talk about and treat postpartum depression.”

The bill has garnered the endorsement of a number of influential organizations, including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association.

Costello was elected to serve the people of the Sixth District of Pennsylvania in November 2014. As a freshman member, Costello serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.