Take Action: Support mental health and well-being of birthing people and other new parents
Updated 6/27/24: The bill was unanimously passed on Thursday 6/20 with a 153-0 vote. According to a local news source, "Representatives say the legislation (H 4773) could stem the tide of deteriorating maternal health outcomes, particularly among people of color, by creating a pathway for certified professional midwives (CPMs) and lactation consultants to be licensed in Massachusetts, and removing regulatory barriers to open birth centers that offer home-like environments during labor."
On Thursday June 20, the House debated important amendments to a groundbreaking maternal mental health bill. Called the Moms Matter Act, this bill would expand and diversify the perinatal mental health workforce and invest in community-based programs that support the mental health and well-being of birth people and other new parents. This is under the umbrella of “Mind the Gap Massachusetts”, which is a campaign aimed to address disparities and gaps in healthcare access and outcomes within the state of Massachusetts.
Why does this matter?
According to the Massachusetts Mind the Gap Steering Committee, Perinatal (during pregnancy and up to a year after birth) Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) impact at least 20% of moms, but are widely underdiagnosed and untreated, leaving moms and other parents to suffer in silence. BIPOC and low-income mothers are both more likely to experience PMADs and less likely to receive care.
How can you help?
This is an important opportunity to help support maternal health and mental health in Massachusetts. You can help by asking your own State Rep. to “sign on” to the amendment. Do so by filling out the form, here!
