Fiedler, Curry, Borowski celebrate Governor’s signing of Postpartum Depression Education Act
Rep. Gina H. Curry October 22, 2024 | 4:42 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 -- Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Gina Curry, D-Delaware; and Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 2127, which directs the PA Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign around perinatal and postpartum depression.
"Around a decade ago was the time I both became a mom and had the chance to interview mothers struggling with postpartum depression as a reporter,” Fiedler said. “That time taught me that even through the beauty and joys of parenthood, there can be moments of immense darkness. I knew when I was elected that I wanted to work hard to ensure no one has to go through PPD alone. And now, years later, I am proud to say that with the help of my colleagues Representative Curry and Representative Borowski, we’ve successfully passed legislation to improve the health of new moms and babies in Pennsylvania.”
“I am thrilled and incredibly grateful for the passage of H.B. 2127, the first of eight bills in the PA Momnibus proposed in March 2024,” Curry said. This bill underscores the importance of not only having a birthing plan but also a comprehensive postpartum plan. Addressing postpartum complications and maternal mental health is crucial for reducing the unfortunate consequences of untreated issues. The passage of this bill will increase awareness of essential resources available to parents during the postpartum period, significantly impacting their lives.”
If untreated, maternal mental health conditions can lead to serious and sometimes fatal consequences for mothers and babies. They are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
Yet the services and care offered to new mothers varies between medical institutions, in different parts of the state, and due to factors like maternity care deserts. That’s why the bill also directs DOH to maintain a list of symptoms and treatment options and to encourage doctors to share it with patients.
“I am thrilled to witness the first piece of legislation in the Momnibus be signed into law. H.B. 2127, now Act 102 of 2024, will help new mothers feel less alone in their postpartum journey and create new opportunities for them to connect with mental health care. Thank you to my partners in this bill, Representative Fiedler and Representative Curry, and all of the stakeholders who helped get this legislation over the finish line,” Borowski said.
Research shows that Black mothers are at higher risk for maternal mental health conditions, due in part to economic disparities and racism. The bill is one part of a larger push to prioritize solutions to these inequities in Pennsylvania, called the “Momnibus” legislative package, launched by the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus.
Monday’s signing ceremony is the result of a legislative push from maternal and reproductive health organizations, including March of Dimes, Maternity Care Coalition, the Pennsylvania Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the PA American College of Nurse-Midwives, Planned Parenthood Keystone, Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and more.
It was officially signed into law on Oct. 16 as Act 102 of 2024.