A group of U.S. House legislators introduced the “Task Force Recommending Improvements for Unaddressed Mental Perinatal and Postpartum Health (TRIUMPH) for New Mothers Act,” to address maternal mental health disorders.
A research study showed that unaddressed disorders cost the U.S. more than $14 billion dollars per annum, according to Cision PR Newswire.
"The high rate of mental health conditions among new mothers is heartbreaking, and it demands action,” Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-California) told Cision PR Newswire. "At a time that should be full of joy, we must ensure that women get the mental and physical health care they need. The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act will help us achieve that goal."
Approximately 20% of pregnant and postpartum mothers suffer from maternal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression or anxiety, Cision PR Newswire reported. But regular screening to detect these disorders isn't conducted, and comprehensive treatment is not always available and can be expensive.
Along with Diaz Barragan, the TRIUMPH for New Mothers Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Indiana), Rep. Young Kim (R-California) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware). If enacted into law, the bill would require that a maternal mental health task force of federal agencies be established, which would determine and assess current programs, coordinate federal resources and craft proposals.
2020 Mom, a supporter of the bill, is a nonprofit advocacy organization on a mission to close gaps in maternal health care, according to its website.
