While we hopefully await positive action from our nation’s legislators on The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, questions arise. Some have wondered why we need a federal bill in place when we have so many well known advocates, researchers and organizations devoted to ending the stigma and ignorance long associated with pregnancy related mood disorders. Hasn’t it gotten enough attention these past three years? With all the media, famous and well respected women speaking out on this issue, the growing science and research substantiating the seriousness of untreated maternal depression - aren’t we done? Aren’t many thousands more people now aware of postpartum depression, thanks to public service announcements, bloggers, conferences, community awareness, state’s responses and organizations like PSI? And aren’t there now more services and treatment options available for these mothers as they face what is often the fight of their life? With an infant along whose fate may be equally determined by the Russian Roulette of maternal mental health services?
It’s true we now have two states out of 50 with legislation on the books strongly encouraging screening, education and services for their mothers. Many others are developing programs thanks to the tireless efforts of grassroots organizations and organizers who have decided that lives will not be destroyed on their watch by the devastation of untreated maternal depression and the lack of appropriate federal response. We now have one or maybe two hospitals in the whole country where women can seek treatment with their infants and avoid the damaging and often unnecessary separations from their children while they recover together.
Considering the seriousness and incidence of pregnancy related mood disorders, our national response is not only inadequate… it’s abysmal. There is a long list of illnesses which appear less frequently among the American population, but which generate unquestioned societal, legislative and healthcare response. Treatments, education and resources which can be accessed by ALL Americans are quickly put in place, not just for the lucky few who know the right doctor and have the resources to continue treatment until a full recovery, but for all citizens. The difference is the stigma of mental illness.
Considering the dearth of life saving response to women and children battling perinatal mood disorders, one can legitimately ask, how much does our nation care about the welfare of its most critical social dyad of mother and child? Research continues to point to early brain development in the neonate as exquisitely sensitive to its environment - an environment whose quality largely depends on the health and abilities of its mother. In no other illness is the fate and future health of one so closely tied to the present health and abilities of another. So we can pretty much double the number of those directly affected by pregnancy related mood disorders without argument, and go from there to include women who have suffered miscarriages and stillbirths - and so the numbers will continue to rise.
Perhaps with further research and when the social tally finally translates into economic loss, reduction in workforce, time off from work, expensive and prolonged mental health services provided to families AFTER the fact when primary prevention was possible… maybe then the hesitation will disappear and our nation’s mothers will receive the attention needed to permanently end truly needless suffering.
Lamentably, some organizations and individuals have issued false claims about the bill’s intent as coercing women into taking unwanted medications or services or even questioning the funding of PSI as its lead endorser. Neither is true. For the record, the bill has no such mandates and PSI does not receive ONE DIME from pharmaceuticals - never has. One can only wonder why there would be any objection to federal encouragement and support for the research, education and services needed to end the loss of lives and incalculable suffering of new mothers and their infants. Federal support means everyone is on notice to get up to speed. Federal support means the services are available to the many, not just the few. And federal support and acknowledgement means the beginning of the end of stigma.
Mothers can come forward and be treated with the dignity and respect extended to every cancer patient and heart disease victim. And the list could go on and on. But while we wait, more lives are lost. Bills are passed for new roads, while mothers needlessly lose themselves to undiagnosed and untreated illness. Bills are passed for bicycle helmets, while the partners of these women despair in a desperate search for help. Bills are passed for mortgage relief and campaign finance reform while babies cry alone.
Every member of the Senate H.E.L.P. committee has his or her stake in this issue now. We will soon know where they stand.