Massachusetts State Representative Ellen Story's office announced that yesterday Governor Deval Patrick signed House bill 4859 into law. It is now Chapter 313 of the Acts of 2010.
"This bill’s passage is a milestone for Massachusetts: our first official recognition that perinatal depressive and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy, and demand the attention of our public health system."
Great, great job to everyone who has worked so hard the last couple of years in Massachusetts to get this done. If you'd like to read the bill, download this: Download Mass PPD Bill
For more information on postpartum depression legislation, click here.
Seeing this makes me proud to live in Massachusetts!
I live in Mass – and am so excited. I had two OBs ignore my cries for help. I honestly think they just didn't really know what to look for and don't take pp mood disorders seriously. This is a big step forward.
This is really big! Let's hope other states follow!