OBGYNs, maternal health experts, moms celebrate Fiedler’s postpartum depression legislation at Pennsylvania Hospital
Rep. Gina H. Curry November 20, 2024 | 3:14 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20 -- A coalition of doctors, care providers and moms gathered at Pennsylvania Hospital today to celebrate the passage of the Postpartum Depression Education Act and to urge continued progress on maternal health legislation. They were joined by bill’s sponsors, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware.
The Postpartum Depression Education Act (Act 102 of 2024) directs the PA Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign around perinatal and postpartum depression. The department is tasked with developing a fact sheet on PPD symptoms and maintaining a list of counselors to be made available in doctors’ offices.
“Since working on the issue of postpartum depression, I’ve heard so many moms say they struggled to put a name on their feelings, leaving them isolated during hard times. This law is designed to permeate the culture of silence around maternal mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and help support mothers,” Fiedler said. “This law is a major step toward charting a new path for moms and babies in Pennsylvania.”
"Postpartum depression is a serious and often overlooked disorder, especially when undiagnosed," said Curry, co-chair of the House Black Maternal Health Caucus. "This law is a vital step in supporting families by addressing perinatal mental health challenges and ensuring that mothers, particularly Black mothers, have access to the resources and education they need. I am a proud co-prime sponsor on this legislation to help new mothers navigate their birthing journey and build healthier, happier lives across the Commonwealth.”
Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Nearly 75% of mothers affected receive no treatment.
Other complications from postpartum depression can include problems breastfeeding, deferred check-ups, low birth weight and pre-term birth, all of which put new babies at risk. PPD can even cause behavioral, developmental and mental health challenges later in a baby’s life.
“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 the stakeholders who helped get this legislation over the finish line,” Borowski said.
The bill was introduced in March as part of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus’ “Momnibus” legislative package, which is designed to directly confront the staggering rate of Black maternal mortality in Pennsylvania. Research shows that Black mothers are also highly susceptible to depression and anxiety, due in part to economic disparities and racism.
Act 102 is one of two Momnibus bills signed into law this year. The other extends Medicaid coverage to doula care and was introduced by state Rep. Morgan Cephas.
“As a co-chair for the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus and longtime advocate for women's health, having this part of our Momnibus legislative package become law is exciting as it's integral to our mission of supporting birthing people beyond the child's day of birth and improving birthing outcomes across Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “Postpartum depression too often goes undiagnosed, overlooked or ignored due to lack of access to care or stigma. The Perinatal and Postpartum Education Act can have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of new mothers and their newborns.”
The bill has the support of 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, PA Academy of Family Physicians, PA Medical Society and more.
“My journey from survivor to advocate led me to become a doula and found Cocolife.Black -- a space where Black moms and birthing people can access doulas and the compassionate care and resources they need. My experience fuels my passion for ensuring no mother walks this path alone, and today’s win reinforces that mission,” said Alexia Doumbouya, a mother, certified doula and the president of Cocolife.black.
"The Pennsylvania Section of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to recognize Representatives Fiedler, Curry and Borowski for their work on this important issue. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to a continued collaboration with the legislature next session as we work together to ensure timely access to perinatal and postpartum mental health treatment services for our patients,” said Dr. Ashley Wilkerson, obstetrics and gynecology hospitalist with Nemours Children’s Health and St. Luke’s University Health Network.
“Act 102 is vital to fully recognize the impact of postpartum depression and anxiety on our patients and community,” said Dr. Abigail Wolf, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital and a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “I commend the work of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and other lawmakers, and I’m proud of the programs my colleagues and I have already put in place at Pennsylvania Hospital, like careful depression screening, classes and support groups to provide that extra, much-needed care to new parents.”
“March of Dimes celebrates the passage of The Postpartum Depression Education Act and applauds Representative Fiedler and The Black Maternal Health Caucus for their leadership in addressing maternal and infant health. Increasing education and access to resources is a critical first step in improving maternal mental health risks for Pennsylvania families,” said Melissa Patti, director of the maternal and infant health initiative for March of Dimes.
“This legislation is a testament to what’s possible when we listen to mothers’ needs and work together to support their well-being,” said Jummy Kirby, a mother and owner of Relinquish and Transcend Counseling and Consulting. “It’s a moment to celebrate, but also a call to continue pushing for comprehensive maternal care.”
The bill was officially signed into law on Oct. 16, 2024. Members can begin to reintroduce legislation like the bills in the Momnibus package at the start of the new legislative session in January.