109th Congress

Postpartum Depression Research

H.R. 1940, S. 3529

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 in each congressional session beginning in 2001. In the 109th 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. 1940, the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, would have required 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 expand and intensify NIMH research and related activities with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The bill would have also required NIMH to coordinate its activities with other NIH components that have responsibilities related to postpartum conditions. In addition, NIMH would have been 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.

S. 3529, the Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act, would have required 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 have also required NIH to expand and intensify research and related activities with respect to postpartum depression, based on the research plan.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 1940 was introduced by Representative Rush on April 27, 2005, and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. No further action occurred on this legislation during the 109th Congress.

S. 3529 was introduced by Senator Menendez on June 15, 2006, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action occurred on this legislation during the 109th Congress.