May. 27, 2020
HARRISBURG – Bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Reps. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) and Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) that would offer state assistance to Pennsylvania mothers struggling with postpartum depression and their babies today was advanced by the House Children and Youth Committee in a unanimous vote.
House Bill 1270 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Under the proposal, mothers at high risk for postpartum depression and their infants who are referred by a physician, healthcare provideror parent would be automatically eligible for assessment and tracking by Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention programs under the Early Intervention Services System Act. These programs exist in all 67 counties.
“The experts tell us that roughly 15% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, meaning that almost 21,000 mothers and their babies are affected annually just across Pennsylvania,” Toohil told committee members. “Children with mothers suffering from postpartum depression are at a higher risk for adverse brain development, abuse and neglect. This bill would help to ensure they grow up safe and strong.”
Similar measures were introduced in the previous two legislative sessions.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
RepToohil.com /
Facebook.com/RepToohil