107th Congress

Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act

H.R. 2380/S. 1535

Background

On February 23, 2001, Melanie Stokes, a Chicago, IL, native and a successful pharmaceutical sales manager, wife, and mother, gave birth to a daughter. After the birth of her daughter, Mrs. Stokes developed a devastating mood disorder known as postpartum psychosis. She was in and out of Chicago area hospitals three times—each time for 7 to 10 days. Despite medical assistance and the support of her family and friends, Mrs. Stokes lost her battle with postpartum psychosis and jumped from a 12-story window ledge to her death on June 11, 2001.

Some studies indicate that at least 50 percent of all new mothers undergo the "baby blues," a feeling of letdown after the emotional experience of childbirth. Treatment studies of women suffering from postpartum depression are sparse. Serious postpartum depression affects more than 10 percent of women who manifest symptoms, which may include excessive worry or exhaustion, sadness, feelings of guilt, apathy, phobias, sleep problems, physical complaints, and a marked fear of criticism of their mothering skills. These symptoms may last from 3 to 14 months. The most severe form of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, is characterized by hallucinations, hearing voices, paranoia, severe insomnia, extreme anxiety, depression, and deluded thinking, in addition to the many other symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis often requires hospitalization. While this severe form of postpartum depression occurs fairly infrequently, affecting an estimated 1 in 1,000 new mothers, it may have the most grievous consequences, including attempts at self harm, suicide, or harm to others. These consequences are an indication that postpartum depression is a significant problem with major societal costs.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

On June 28, 2001, Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced H.R. 2380, the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. H.R. 2380 would have required the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to expand and intensify NIMH research and related activities with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The legislation would also have required NIMH to coordinate activities with other NIH components that have responsibilities related to postpartum conditions. In addition, NIMH would have been required to conduct and support basic and clinical research, epidemiological studies, diagnostic techniques, and information and education programs to expand the understanding of the causes of, and efforts to find a cure for, postpartum conditions.

On October 11, 2001, Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) introduced S. 1535, also called the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. S. 1535 would have amended the Public Health Service Act to provide for research on, and services for, individuals with postpartum depression and psychosis. Specifically, S. 1535 would have required the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of NIH, the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the heads of other Federal agencies that administer Federal health programs, to organize a series of national meetings that would be designed to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. After the development of the research plan, the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of NIH, would have been required to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institutes relating to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis in a manner appropriate to carry out the research plan.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 2380 was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on June 28, 2001, and to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on July 16. S. 1535 was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on October 11. There was no further action on this legislation during the 107th Congress.