What does Passage of The MOTHERS Act Mean for America's Mothers?
As many of you probably know by now, the landmark legislation called The MOTHERS Act was passed as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, after years of effort by a wide-reaching coalition of stakeholders (see the listing at www.perinatalpro.com)
Here is a news release from the Office of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez outlining just what this new law will mean for new mothers, infants and those who love them.
"THIS MOTHER’S DAY,
LET’S CELEBRATE THE MOTHERS ACT!
AS PART OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM, CONGRESS PASSED AND PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNED THE MELANIE BLOCKER STOKES MOTHERS ACT INTO LAW!
AFTER A FIVE YEAR FIGHT TO EDUCATE LAWMAKERS AND GET IT PASSED, THIS NEW LAW WILL BEGIN IN EARNEST THE FEDERAL EFFORT TO COMBAT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.
HERE IS A PRIMER ON THE NEW LAW, WHICH WAS AUTHORED BY U.S. SENATOR ROBERT MENENDEZ (D-NJ) AND REP. BOBBY RUSH (D-IL). PLEASE SHARE IT WITH ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
THE MELANIE BLOCKER STOKES MOTHERS ACT:
HOW IT WILL HELP OUR NATION’S NEW MOTHERS
A Document Created by the Office of Senator Robert Menendez
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act is designed to help new mothers get through postpartum depression and to help scientist get to the bottom of it.
Education, support services and research – those are the three areas in which the MOTHERS Act will begin building what will hopefully become a long-lasting and effective federal initiative to combat this debilitating condition.
Here are some commonly asked questions – and answers – about the new law:
Q: Some people still think postpartum depression is just the “baby blues.” Will this law help raise awareness of PPD – both for new mothers and the general public?
A: Absolutely. It will help initiate a National Public Awareness Campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis. This could include public service announcements on TV and radio that emphasize the basics of PDD and awareness about screening.
Q: We still have a lot to learn about why women get postpartum depression and how best to help them with treatment.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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May 5, 2010 - 11:40pmThis Comment