Legislation intended to help recognize and respond to perinatal and postpartum depression (PPD) is on Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s desk. House Bill 2127 directs the Department of Health to centralize information on symptoms and treatment for PPD online and on fact sheets available in doctors’ offices, including an up-to-date list of organizations that provide counseling. The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the legislation. The House on Wednesday voted to concur to amendments made by the Senate. Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Nearly 75% of mothers affected receive no treatment.
