2009 Oregon Women’s

Health and Wellness Alliance

Maternal Mental Health Package
Lead Legislator: Representative Tomei
HB 2666/HJR 15

Summary: One measure will recognize March as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month to
encourage collaboration in increased awareness and development of a statewide care network for
the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The other bill will
establish a workgroup in the Department of Human Services to review and report on existing
needs, programs, gaps, and funding strategies for maternal health during and after pregnancy,
known as perinatal mental health.

Who: Pregnant women and their families.

Background: Perinatal mood disorders, which include depression, anxiety, mania, and
psychosis, are pervasive but treatable illnesses with real and long-term consequences for
mothers, babies, and families. Untreated maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy or
postpartum negatively affects birth outcomes and infant development, including infant mental
health and brain development. Oregon needs screening, referral, educational, and treatment
systems: there is a lack of provider education, public awareness, and access to affordable care.
Modeled after successful acts in other states, including Washington, Maine, New Jersey, and
Illinois, this legislation will increase public awareness and access to competent care for maternal
mental health.

Fact: 1:8 pregnant or postpartum women will develop significant depression or panic disorder.

Fact: 1:500 will develop postpartum psychosis, which poses an immediate threat of suicide or
infanticide.

Fact: The estimated prevalence of perinatal depression doubles to at least 25% for low-income
women, and rises to 40 to 60% for low-income mothers and pregnant or parenting teens.

Fact: Reliable, evidence-based methods for culturally competent risk evaluation, screening,
and treatment exist and could be adopted in Oregon.

Fact: Early recognition of risk factors and symptoms reduces adverse health outcomes for both
the mother and child, but data collected by the Oregon Department of Human Services
show that most women with pregnancy or postpartum depression are never identified
and/or treated.

For questions or comments, contact: Wendy Davis, PhD, 503-246-0941, or Debbie

Runciman, Aide to Representative Tomei, 503-986-1337.