110th Congress

Postpartum Depression Research

H.R. 20, S. 1375

Background

On February 23, 2001, Melanie Blocker-Stokes, a Chicago, IL, native and successful pharmaceutical sales manager, wife, and mother, gave birth to a daughter. After the birth of her daughter, Mrs. Blocker-Stokes developed a devastating mood disorder known as postpartum psychosis. She was admitted to Chicago-area hospitals three times, each time for 7 to 10 days. Despite medical assistance and the support of her family and friends, Mrs. Blocker-Stokes lost her battle with postpartum psychosis and jumped from a 12-story window ledge to her death on June 11, 2001.

Some studies indicate that at least 50 percent of all new mothers experience the "baby blues," a feeling of letdown after the emotional experience of childbirth. Treatment studies of women suffering from postpartum depression are few. Serious postpartum depression affects more than 10 percent of women who manifest symptoms, which may include excessive worry or exhaustion, sadness, feelings of guilt, apathy, phobias, sleep problems, physical complaints, and a marked fear of criticism of their mothering skills. These symptoms may last from 3 to 14 months. The most severe form of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, is characterized by visual and auditory hallucinations, paranoia, severe insomnia, extreme anxiety, depression, and deluded thinking, in addition to the other symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis often requires hospitalization. While this severe form of postpartum depression occurs fairly infrequently, affecting an estimated 1 in 1,000 new mothers, it may have the most grievous consequences, including attempts at self-harm, suicide, or harming others. These consequences are an indication that postpartum depression is a significant problem with major societal costs.

Driven by the increased number of reported cases of women who have either harmed themselves or their children under the influence of postpartum psychosis, Representative Bobby L. Rush (D IL) has introduced this legislation during each congressional session since 2001. During the 109th Congress and again in the 110th Congress, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) also introduced legislation to expand Federal activities in this area.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, as amended by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, would encourage the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to continue NIMH research and related activities with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The bill would also encourage NIMH to continue to coordinate its activities with other NIH components that have responsibilities related to postpartum conditions. In continuing its research in this area, NIMH would be required to conduct and support basic and clinical research, epidemiological studies, diagnostic techniques, and information and education programs to expand the understanding of the causes of and efforts to find a cure for postpartum conditions. H.R. 20 as amended includes a Sense of the Congress provision that the Director of NIMH may conduct a longitudinal study of the relative mental health consequences of resolving a pregnancy in various ways, including carrying the pregnancy to term and parenting the child, carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the child for adoption, miscarriage, and having an abortion. If such a study is conducted, the Director is required to submit a report to Congress.

S. 1375, the Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act, would require NIH to work with other Federal agencies that administer Federal health programs to organize a series of national meetings to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. The bill would also require NIH to expand and intensify research and related activities with respect to postpartum depression, based on the research plan.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 20 was introduced by Representative Rush on January 4, 2007, and was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. On May 1, the Subcommittee held a hearing on postpartum depression and H.R. 20. On September 27, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce favorably reported out the bill as amended by the Subcommittee on July 19. On October 15, the House of Representatives agreed to a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill by a vote of 382 to 3. No further action has occurred on this legislation.

S. 1375 was introduced by Senator Menendez on May 11, 2007, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action has occurred on this legislation.

February 26, 2008