Bartolotta bill would address PPD
Newborn and infant children of mothers affected by postpartum depression will be eligible for early intervention services under legislation jointly introduced today by Sens. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, and Judy Schwank, D-Berks County.
Senate Bill 1269 would add PPD to the list of conditions that qualify for assessments, tracking and early intervention services. The state already monitors infants with certain medical conditions, such as low birth weight or lead poisoning, as well as those born into potentially dangerous environments, including children born to chemically dependent mothers, homeless children and infants who suffer from abuse and neglect.
“Postpartum depression is a severe and potentially long-lasting condition that can put the health of the mother and the baby at risk,” Bartolotta said. “By adding postpartum depression to the list of qualifying conditions, we hope to ensure that infants and their mothers who suffer from this condition have access to the services that are already in place in our communities to support healthy child development.”
The American Psychological Association estimates that more than one in seven new mothers experience PPD. The condition can adversely affect a baby’s cognitive development, and carries an increased risk of abuse and neglect.