News Release: 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.
News Release: May 1, 2007
Tempers Flare Over Postpartum Depression Bill
Democrats clashed with Republicans at a House hearing Tuesday over the injection of the abortion issue into discussion of a long-pending bill to counter postpartum depression.
News Release: April 27, 2007
Office of Congressman Bobby L. Rush
CONTACT:
Toure Muhammad (202) 286-9829
This hearing will be webcast live at http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.shtml
Rush’s Congressional Hearing will advocate for new mothers’ health.
‘We must fight for the health of new mothers to ensure healthy children and families,’ says U.S. Rep. Rush
WASHINGTON, DC - The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will conduct a hearing entitled “H.R. 20-The Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Act”, aimed at curbing postpartum depression, an illness that affects new mothers. With an estimated 400,000 new cases by the end of this year, postpartum depression is the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy. Unfortunately, research and treatment for women of color remains disproportionately ignored.
WHO: Carol Blocker, founder Melanie Blocker-Stokes Foundation
Dr. Nada Stotland MD, American Psychiatric Association
New Jersey First Lady Mary Jo Cody
WHAT: Subcommittee hearing on postpartum depression
WHEN: Tuesday, May 1 at 12 noon
WHERE: 2123 Rayburn House Office Bldg. (Washington, DC)
Co-Sponsor H.R. 20
The Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research & Care Act
Click here to read the bill in its entirety.
Dear Colleague:
We draw your attention to H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. This legislation will provide immediate attention and resources towards one of the most commonly undiagnosed conditions after childbirth, postpartum depression.
As you may know, too often, postpartum depression is simply dismissed as “the baby blues.” According to the National Mental Health Association, 70-80 percent of new mothers experience some form of a postpartum disorder immediately following the birth of their newborn child. Further, a select group of women suffer from postpartum psychosis, a severe and destructive form of the disorder that can often lead to death. Chicago native, Melanie Blocker Stokes, who is the inspiration of this bill, was a 40-year-old woman who committed suicide after a long, much-publicized battle with this most severe form of the mental illness. Other women such as Marie Osmond and Brooke Shields suffered from postpartum depression; but they were fortunate enough to receive proper treatment and are now speaking out about their experiences. Their courage is helping other women seek help to avoid the pitfalls of postpartum mental disorders.
H.R. 20 would:
1) Prioritize postpartum depression and psychosis by expanding research on the mental illness; and 2) By establishing grants for the operation and coordination of cost-effective delivery systems of essential services to afflicted individuals and their families.
The bill tackles the problem in the medical trenches where providers are in a position to immediately diagnose and treat postpartum disorders; and in the research laboratory where scientists endeavor to understand the physiology behind the illness. Join us in supporting efforts to draw attention, expand research and provide treatment to mothers across this country. To cosponsor, please contact Aysha H. Moshi at 5-4372 of Rep. Rush’s staff or Kimberly Stump at 5-7772 of Rep. Burgess’ staff.
Sincerely,
Bobby L. Rush Michael Burgess, M.D.
Member of Congress Member of Congress