Sen. Menendez Introduces Bill That Would Increase Postpartum Depression Research

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) on Friday said he would introduce a bill (S 1375) that would increase postpartum depression research at NIH and would provide grants to state and local health care workers to increase screening and treatment of the condition, CQ HealthBeat reports (Webber, CQ HealthBeat, 5/11).

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee earlier this month debated similar legislation (HR 20), sponsored by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), that would "expand and intensify" research at the National Institute of Mental Health and other agencies on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The bill also would provide grants through HHS for the "establishment, operation and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services" for women with the conditions and their families. Some Republicans on the House panel indicated that the measure should be amended to include language on "postabortion depression" (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/2).

Menendez's bill includes a provision from Rush's bill requiring NIMH to increase research on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The measure, which is supported by several psychiatric and women's health organizations, does not specify funding amounts for grants or research, but it would authorize "such sums as may be appropriated," Menendez said.

Menendez said the legislation is modeled after a 2006 New Jersey law that provides $4.5 million annually for postpartum depression education and screening and requires health care workers to inform pregnant women about postpartum depression. According to CQ HealthBeat, versions of Rush's and Menendez's measures have been introduced for several years but have never seen action. About 10% to 20% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth to their first infant, according to NIH estimates (CQ HealthBeat, 5/11).

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