Bartolotta and Schwank Bill Would Improve Screening, Treatment of Postpartum Depression

February 28, 2019

HARRISBURG – February 28, 2019 – Bipartisan legislation would improve screening and treatment of new mothers affected by postpartum depression, according to the bill’s sponsors, Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Judy Schwank (D-11).

The Prenatal and Postpartum Counseling and Screening Act would require health care providers to offer information to pregnant women regarding parenting and prenatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and other emotional trauma counseling. New mothers would also be required to undergo screening for postpartum depression symptoms prior to hospital discharge and at postnatal check-up visits.

“Postpartum depression can create a whole host of health risks for both mothers and babies, so identifying and treating this condition is crucial,” Bartolotta said. “We need to make sure mothers are aware of the signs of postpartum depression, as well as all of the resources that are available to help families who are affected by it.”

Many mothers experience a mild, short-term form of postpartum depression commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10 to 20 percent of mothers experience more intense symptoms that can last a year or more and may require counseling and/or medication.

“This legislation is an important step in ensuring every baby has a healthy start,” Schwank said. “Thousands of mothers a year in Pennsylvania are affected by Post-partum depression and it’s vital they have access to the services they need to avoid serious and costlier problems later. For the benefit of new mothers, babies and families throughout the Commonwealth, I am hopeful that this legislation can be enacted quickly.”

At least six other states have enacted similar laws to improve diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression.

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CONTACT:   Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463

Bartolotta, Schwank Reintroduce Postpartum Depression Proposal

February 1, 2017

HARRISBURG, February 1, 2017 – Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Judy Schwank (D-11) reintroduced legislation today that would extend early intervention services to newborn and infant children of mothers affected by postpartum depression (PPD).

Pennsylvania has a monitoring system in place to protect infants who suffer from certain medical conditions such as low birth weight or lead poisoning, as well as those born into potentially dangerous environments, including children born to chemically dependent mothers, homeless children and infants who suffer from abuse and neglect.

The Senators’ proposal, Senate Bill 200, would add PPD to the list of conditions that are monitored through the existing state program to determine families in need of assessments, tracking and early intervention services.

“Postpartum depression can be a devastating problem both for a new mother and her child, and the consequences can last a lifetime,” Bartolotta said. “Adding these families to the state’s monitoring system will help ensure that mothers and infants receive the care and services they need.”

The American Psychological Association estimates that more than one in seven new mothers experience PPD. The condition can adversely affect a baby’s cognitive development, and carries an increased risk of abuse and neglect.

About 21,000 babies and mothers in Pennsylvania annually are believed to suffer from PPD, and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all mothers be screened for this illness.

“Making sure every  baby has a healthy start  is a way to avoid serious and costlier problems later.,” said Schwank, Senate

Democratic chair of the Women’s Health Caucus. “By making sure babies of mothers with PPD get the services

they need, we’re not just doing something  important for them.

“This really makes sense for all of us.”

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