Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Provide Support for New Mothers and Families
PRESS RELEASES
By Long Island News & PRs Published: August 04 2014
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a bill designed to provide support for women facing maternal depression during pregnancy and following childbirth. The new law ...
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Provide Support for New Mothers and Families
Albany, NY - August 4, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a bill designed to provide support for women facing maternal depression during pregnancy and following childbirth. The new law will provide educational services, as well as promote screening and treatment for maternal depression disorders.
“Maternal depression is a serious condition that impacts families of all backgrounds, but today we are tackling the issue head-on with a new law that will improve services and increase awareness across the State,” Governor Cuomo said. “This legislation better equips our healthcare system to recognize and treat maternal depression, helping families statewide to better detect and treat this condition. I thank the bill sponsors for their hard work and leadership on this important issue, and I am proud to sign it into law today.”
Despite the widespread nature and severity of maternal depression, the State's healthcare system currently has had no system-wide screening and referral procedure for postpartum depression. The new law (S. 7234B / A. 9610B) provides information and guidelines on maternal depression screening; information on follow-up support and referrals; and public education to promote awareness of and de-stigmatize maternal depression. In addition, the legislation is intended to ensure that New Yorkers are informed of the public health services that will help them understand, identify and treat maternal depression.
Maternal depression is broadly defined as a wide range of emotional and psychological reactions a woman may experience during pregnancy or after childbirth. Each year, approximately ten to fifteen percent of all mothers develop postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis, the most severe form of maternal depression, often includes auditory hallucinations and delusions, and in some cases visual hallucinations. Women whose maternal depression is severe enough to be considered postpartum psychosis have a five percent suicide rate and four percent infanticide rate.
http://www.longisland.com/news/08-04-14/legislation-to-provide-support-for-new-mothers.html
