WASHINGTON, D.C.—Called a dramatic step in “giving hope to a nation of women,”  the U.S. House of Representatives, Oct. 15,  passed legislation introduced by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) —H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act—by a vote of 382-3.

“After six long years, today marks an important step in the protracted journey for Congress to recognize postpartum depression as a national priority,” said Rep. Rush on the House floor right before the vote. “By passing H.R. 20, Congress, and our nation, will finally put significant money and attention into research, screening, treatment, and education for mothers suffering and surviving this serious, debilitating, and often life-threatening disease.”

This bill was first introduced in 2001 after the tragic death of Chicagoan, Melanie Blocker Stokes.  Melanie was a 40-year-old, African American woman who died by suicide after a long, much-publicized battle with this most severe form of the mental illness—postpartum psychosis.  She left behind a daughter, Summer Skky and her husband, Dr. Sam Stokes.

Dressed in blue to signify their solidarity with those who suffer from postpartum depression and psychosis—leaders of several advocacy organizations traveled to Capitol Hill from across the country to announce their support for the bill and to witness the historic vote that moves the bill closer to reality.

 “What a thrill it was to watch from the Congressional Gallery as Congressman Rush made his final, victorious push for America’s children and families,” said Susan Stone, president of Postpartum Support International. “Congressman Rush has given hope to a nation of women whose country had turned a deaf ear to their plight.”

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for approval. Supporters hope awareness, research, and money for services and treatment will be a reality by year’s end. H.R. 20 will:

·             encourage the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to further fund research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

·             finance a national public awareness campaign to bring this illness out of the dark and shed light on how to screen and treat mothers

·             add “depression” to the biennial reporting the National Institutes of Health must submit to Congress; and

·             finance grants to public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate programsthat provide screening, treatment and various health care and support services to individuals with postpartum depression orpostpartum psychosis.

               Moreover, this bill is cost effective. And, specifically, The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 20 would cost less than $500,000 in 2008 and $18 million over five years. And specifically, CBO states that enacting H.R. 20 would not affect direct spending or revenues.

Supporters of the bill include Postpartum Support International, Family Mental Health Foundation, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Children’s Defense Fund, The Melanie Blocker Stokes Foundation, Suicide Prevention Action Network, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Mental Health America, National Alliance for Mental Illness, Community Behavioral Healthcare, The March of Dimes, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Guttmacher Institute, and NARAL, Pro-Choice America.

 Postpartum depression, in its various levels, is the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy.

According to Postpartum Support International, approximately, every 50 seconds, a new mother will begin struggling with the effects of mental illness. And, of the new postpartum cases this year, less than 15 percent of mothers will receive treatment; however, with treatment over 90 percent of these mothers could overcome their depression.