PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW EVEN IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY MAILED A LETTER. CALL YOUR LOCAL SENATOR/CONGRESSMAN OR MAIL OR EMAIL SAMPLE LETTERS NOW!
PSI sets the record straight about
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
March 29, 2008
(Scroll down to see summary of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act)
It has come to the attention of PSI that misinformation about the The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, due for a mark up in the Senate H.E.L.P. committee and its lead sponsor, Postpartum Support International is being aggressively circulated on the web. This bulletin suggests protest against the bill’s adoption on false belief and implies that PSI’s interest in the legislation emanates from its funding by pharmaceuticals. These assertions indicate the bulletin’s authors have neither read nor understood the legislation nor sought verification of PSI’s funding sources which are available to the public. The following is true:
- Postpartum Support International is not, nor has it ever been, funded by pharmaceuticals. Our funding comes from private donations, memberships and our own fundraising efforts. It appears our fine organization was mischaracterized without any attempt to verify this false assertion.
- The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act does not mandate screening, the use of medications, or any other form of involuntary or coercive engagement in unwanted services for perinatal mood disorders.
- Melanie Blocker Stokes leapt to her death as a result of postpartum psychosis which was not promptly diagnosed and treated. Her mother, Carol Blocker has devoted her life to the passage of this protective legislation named for her daughter. Her death was not the result of medication misuse.
- To further clarify and summarize, the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act:
Encourages HHS to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions. Also, encourages a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.
Encourages HHS to make grants available for projects for the establishment, operation and coordination of systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression.
It is most unfortunate that any organization would attempt to dissuade public support of critical legislation by circulating erroneous information about the bill’s contents and intent. Please call/visit PSI’s Website to read the legislation or submit any questions.
A Current Summary of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
FINAL SUMMARY OF THE MELANIE BLOCKER STOKES MOTHERS ACT
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, sponsored by Senators Menendez, Durbin and Snowe, will help provide support services to women suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis and will also help educate mothers and their families about these conditions. In addition, it will support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.
UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Postpartum depression is a devastating mood disorder which strikes many women during and after pregnancy. It is a serious and disabling condition that affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. In the United States, there may be as many as 800,000 new cases of postpartum conditions each year. These mothers often experience signs of depression and may lose interest in friends and family, feel overwhelming sadness or even have thoughts of harming the baby or themselves. The cause of postpartum depression is not known, but changes in hormone levels, a difficult pregnancy or birth, a family history of depression and other biopsychosocial stressors are considered possible factors.
SUPPORTERS
Postpartum Support International
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
American Psychological Association
American Psychiatric Association
Children’s Defense Fund
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
March of Dimes
Mental Health America
American College of Nurse Midwives
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
National Partnership for Women & Families
OWL- The Voice of Midlife and Older Women
National Women’s Law Center
SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION
Section 1: Short title of the bill- The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act.
TITLE I - Research
Encourages HHS to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions. Also, encourages a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.
Sense of Congress that the Director of the NIH may conduct a nationally representative longitudinal study of the relative mental health consequences for women of resolving a pregnancy (intended or unintended) in various ways, including carrying the pregnancy to term and parenting the child, carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the child for adoption, miscarriage, and having an abortion. This study may assess the incidence, timing, magnitude, and duration of the immediate and long-term mental health consequences (positive and negative) of these pregnancy outcomes.
TITLE II - Delivery of Services
Encourages HHS to make grants available for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression.
(Entities): Makes grants available to public or nonprofit private entity, which may include a State or local government, a public-private partnership, a recipient of a grant under the Healthy Start program under section 330H of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-8), a public or nonprofit private hospital, community-based organization, hospice, ambulatory care facility, community health center, migrant health center, public housing primary care center, or homeless health center, or any other appropriate public or nonprofit private entity.
(Activities): Eligible activities include delivering or enhancing outpatient, inpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for postpartum conditions. Activities may also include providing education about postpartum conditions to new mothers and their families, including symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources, in order to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.
TITLE III- General Provisions
Title III, Section 301(Funding): Authorizes $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
Title III, Section 302 (HHS Report): Requires the Secretary of HHS to conduct a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act will be marked up in the
Senate H.E.L.P. committee on February 27!
February 7, 2008
WASHINGTON DC:
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act will be marked up in the Senate H.E.L.P. committee on February 27th. If all goes well, it could be passed by the committee on that day. From there, it goes to the Senate and then, as the originating bill was passed in the House and now will include some language changes; it will return to the House for final passage. As it originally passed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support in the House, we expect it would do so again. This is very encouraging progress!.
Press Release from Congressman Bobby L. Rush
REP. RUSH’S POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION BILL RECEIVES
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AS IT PASSES THE HOUSE
October 16, 2007
WASHINGTON DC:
Congress and activists stand for postpartum depression research and care
Called a dramatic step in “giving hope to a nation of women,” the U.S. House of Representatives, Oct. 15, passed legislation introduced by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) -H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act-by a vote of 382-3.
“After six long years, today marks an important step in the protracted journey for Congress to recognize postpartum depression as a national priority,” said Rep. Rush on the House floor right before the vote. “By passing H.R. 20, Congress, and our nation, will finally put significant money and attention into research, screening, treatment, and education for mothers suffering and surviving this serious, debilitating, and often life-threatening disease.”
This bill was first introduced in 2001 after the tragic death of Chicagoan, Melanie Blocker Stokes. Melanie was a 40-year-old, African American woman who died by suicide after a long, much-publicized battle with this most severe form of the mental illness-postpartum psychosis. She left behind a daughter, Summer Skky and her husband, Dr. Sam Stokes.
Dressed in blue to signify their solidarity with those who suffer from postpartum depression and psychosis-leaders of several advocacy organizations traveled to Capitol Hill from across the country to announce their support for the bill and to witness the historic vote that moves the bill closer to reality.
“What a thrill it was to watch from the Congressional Gallery as Congressman Rush made his final, victorious push for America’s children and families,” said Susan Stone, president of Postpartum Support International. “Congressman Rush has given hope to a nation of women whose country had turned a deaf ear to their plight.”
The bill will now be sent to the Senate for approval. Supporters hope awareness, research, and money for services and treatment will be a reality by year’s end. H.R. 20 will:
- encourage the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to further fund research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- finance a national public awareness campaign to bring this illness out of the dark and shed light on how to screen and treat mothers
- add “depression” to the biennial reporting the National Institutes of Health must submit to Congress; and finance grants to public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate programs that provide screening, treatment and various health care and support services to individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis.
Moreover, this bill is cost effective. And, specifically, The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 20 would cost less than $500,000 in 2008 and $18 million over five years. And specifically, CBO states that enacting H.R. 20 would not affect direct spending or revenues.
Supporters of the bill include Postpartum Support International, Family Mental Health Foundation, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Children’s Defense Fund, The Melanie Blocker Stokes Foundation, Suicide Prevention Action Network, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Mental Health America, National Alliance for Mental Illness, Community Behavioral Healthcare, The March of Dimes, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Guttmacher Institute, and NARAL, Pro-Choice America.
Postpartum depression, in its various levels, is the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy. According to Postpartum Support International, approximately, every 50 seconds, a new mother will begin struggling with the effects of mental illness. And, of the new postpartum cases this year, less than 15 percent of mothers will receive treatment; however, with treatment over 90 percent of these mothers could overcome their depression.
REP RUSH’S POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION BILL CLOSER TO REALITY
October 11, 2007
WASHINGTON DC:
Activists stand in solidarity for postpartum depression research and care.
WHAT:
A coalition of elected officials, non-profit organizations, and community Activists-will hold a press conference to celebrate the passage of H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act out of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dressed in blue to signify their solidarity with those who suffer from “baby blues” - the group will announce their support for further research, education and awareness, and a national focus on screening and treatment will complete their agenda.
H.R. 20: the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act which will, on Monday, October 15, be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives. Upon the much anticipated House approval, the bill will be sent to the Senate for approval. Bill supporters hope awareness, research, and money for services and treatment will be a reality by year’s end. They are urged to call their Congressional representatives in support of the bill.
WHO:
Congressman Bobby L. Rush, other Members of Congress, national Science and Mental Health Organizations, Women’s and children’s groups and activists
WHEN:
Monday, October 15, 12:30pm
WHERE:
On the Capitol Grounds, TBA
BACKGROUND:
This bill was first introduced in 2001, after the tragic death of Chicagoan, Melanie Blocker Stokes. Melanie was a 40-year-old, African American woman who committed suicide after a long, much-publicized battle with this most severe form of the mental illness. She ended her life in June of 2001 by jumping out of a twelve-story building. She left behind a daughter, Summer Skky and her husband, Dr. Sam Stokes. Melanie’s is one of thousands of mother’s who will take their lives this year as a result of depression during or immediately after pregnancy.
Press Release from Congressman Bobby L. Rush
RUSH GAINS HISTORIC, UNANIMOUS HOUSE COMMITTEE VOTE FOR
POSTPARTUM BILL AND FOUR, CHILD SAFETY AND CONSUMER
PROTECTION BILLS THAT HELP WOMEN AND FAMILIES
September 27, 2007
WASHINGTON DC:
After six years of determined work and leadership on Capitol Hill, U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, received a unanimous, bi-partisan vote from the full committee, today, to advance H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to expand its research efforts with regard to depression during and after pregnancy. H.R. 20 was originally sponsored by Cong. Rush in light of the tragic death of Chicagoan Melanie Blocker-Stokes, who took her own life after the birth of her first child. The bill also provides for increased funding to execute a national public awareness campaign. Resources are also designated for local community health organizations that provide screening, counseling and education to women and families about this treatable illness.
“With this bill, my colleagues and I in this committee, and I believe ultimately in the full House, are saying to this nation that no woman need suffer in shame or silence if she’s confronted with feelings of depression following the birth of a newborn,” said Rush. “I am very, very proud of the good faith efforts-demonstrated by both Democrats and Republicans-to find common ground so that no mother, like Melanie’s mom, need bury her daughter under conditions that should truly be joyous and life affirming. I now call on my colleagues in the full House and, eventually, in the Senate to find common ground to pass this legislation. Our hope is to transform this nation into one that recognizes that postpartum depression is not a badge of shame but, rather, a hurdle that can be overcome by new mothers with support, counseling and the early intervention of their families and loved ones.”
Also approved in the full committee, today, were four bills that were considered in Rush’s subcommittee that, combined, address important child safety and consumer protection issues that are vital to America’s families. Given the continued spate of consumer product recalls, H.R. 2474, also sponsored by Rush, increases the maximum, civil penalty for violations under the Consumer Product Safety Act to $10 million, a provision that has been repeatedly cited by advocates and editorial writers around the country as a long overdue incentive for product manufacturers to comply with existing laws. This bill, along with H.R. 1699, the Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, sponsored by Jan Schakowsky (9th-IL), strengthens laws governing the recall of assorted children’s products, including cribs. H.R. 1699 requires that each durable infant and toddler product-high chairs, cribs, and strollers-come with a postage-paid, recall registration card. This will allow the manufacturers to directly contact each parent who bought their product should any problem arise that could put their child at risk. This parent alert system also includes e-mail notification provisions.
“I take great pride in the fact that in spite of the sharp differences many of my colleagues and I have on a range of issues, children’s safety is not one of them,” said Rush who also shepherded two other bills through his subcommittee-H.R. 1721, the “Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act” which requires the installation of pool and spa drains with specified anti-entrapment standards, and H.R. 814, the “Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act,” a bill that requires the CPSC to issue regulations mandating child-resistant closures on all portable gasoline containers. All five bills gained unanimous support, today, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Following today’s action, these bills now advance to the floor of the House for a full vote before moving to the Senate.
H.R. 20, the “Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act” Amended
July 25, 2007
Press Release from Congressman Bobby L. Rush
July 19, 2007
Chairman Bobby L. Rush Wins Unanimous, Bipartisan Support, In Health Subcommittee, For 1st Federal Postpartum Depression Initiative
H.R. 20 provides new mothers with tools to treat postpartum depression
WASHINGTON DC: U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, proudly marked a major step forward today in advancing the rights of women’s health with his successful effort in gaining unanimous support from members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health for H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression, Research and Care Act of 2007.
Today’s action came as a result of more than six years of tenacious work by Rush to gain passage of the legislation to secure much needed resources for research and medical advances in the treatment of postpartum depression and psychosis.
“As proud and excited as I am by the progress we’ve made today, I remain focused on the fact that thousands of women, of all colors and from all walks of life, will continue to suffer in silence without the help they need in what should really be a joyous time,” said Chairman Rush. “I applaud the valiant work of Melanie’s mom, my constituent, Carol Blocker, for turning her pain into a passionate and ongoing effort to help make sure that no other mother suffers the needless loss of her daughter from this terrible syndrome.”
Rush, along with thousands of concerned activists around the country, continues to work to secure much needed resources for research and medical advances in the treatment of postpartum depression and psychosis, which afflicts far too many women in their child-bearing years.
Because of the failure of our nation’s health system to effectively address the medical ramifications of postpartum depression and psychosis, I will continue to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me, Melanie’s mom and millions of concerned families throughout the country to ensure
enactment of this legislation,” Chairman Rush added.
Postpartum depression is a serious and disabling condition that affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers resulting in about 800,000 new cases each year. Of the new postpartum cases expected to be diagnosed this year, fewer than 15 percent of mothers will receive treatment. However, research has proven that, with treatment, more than 90 percent of these mothers could overcome their depression and lead healthy lives.
H.R. 20 prioritizes research and treatment of postpartum depression and psychosis by expanding and intensifying research through the National Institutes of Health and the National Institutes of Mental Health on the causes, diagnoses and treatments of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. H.R. 20 also encourages the National Institutes of Health to work in partnership with local communities to coordinate and broadcast heightened public service awareness about postpartum depression and its symptoms. H.R. 20 further provides grants to groups that have a track record of working with women who suffer from postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
Following today’s Subcommittee vote, the bill proceeds, next week, to the full Energy and Commerce committee for approval.
Press Release from Senator Robert Menendez
May 11, 2007
WASHINGTON DC:
A group of lawmakers and postpartum depression awareness advocates joined today on Capitol Hill in a call for an increased federal commitment to combating postpartum depression. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) - along with actress Brooke Shields, former New Jersey First Lady Mary Jo Codey, Carol Blocker, Postpartum Support International president Susan Dowd Stone and author Sylvia Lasalandra - announced today’s introduction of The MOTHERS Act in the Senate. The bill is similar to Rep. Rush’s Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act (H.R. 20), which has been introduced in the House of Representatives.