House bill introduced to improve treatment of postpartum depression

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)– A bill has been introduced that creates new care for postpartum depression in mothers of newborns.

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition where a mother feels sad, anxious or overwhelmed for an extended time after childbirth. It can be treated using therapy or medication.

HB322

would require doctors to assess new mothers for postpartum depression and refer them for treatment. The cost of this treatment would be funded by Medicaid. This bill also calls for the creation of educational material on postpartum depression to be distributed to new mothers and their families.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (Republican, Baldwin County) and co-sponsored by five other representatives. It was referred to the House Health Committee.