Some good news for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders…
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act to provide federal grants to develop and maintain programs for screening and treatment of postpartum depression. This bill, introduced by Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-Mass) and Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA), passed as part of the U.S. House’s medical research funding package.
In addition, the U.S. House also passed the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act – a bill co-authored by Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL). The bill was included in the 21st Century Cures legislative plan to improve cures and treatments for chronic conditions and diseases. While this bill is not restricted to treatments for psychiatric illness, it will help to “identify major research gaps involving pregnant and lactating women who take prescription medication, and detail ways to promote safer medications for them to use.”
Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD
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