Federal Legislative History

2022

Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Act of 2022

The United States Congress enacted the Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Act of 2022 as part of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Wellbeing Act. This law (1) reauthorizes and increases funds for programs addressing maternal mental health issues at the state level; and (2) authorizes and increases funds for the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Funding was authorized for FY 2023-2028. Read the text of the law.

TRIUMPH for New Moms Act of 2022

The United States Congress enacted the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act of 2022 as part of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Wellbeing Act.  This law establishes a National Task Force on Maternal Mental Health that will produce a national strategy and provide recommendations to state governors. Read the text of the law.

2020

Military Moms Mental Health Assessment Act

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on prenatal and postpartum mental health conditions among members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. Read the text of the law.  Read the report.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The United States Congress provided $3 million to establish and maintain a national maternal mental health hotline to be staffed by qualified counselors for 24 hours a day. Funding may also be used for outreach to raise awareness about maternal mental health issues and the hotline. Learn more here.

2018

$5 Million Granted to Seven States

The initial round of funding for Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act was released and the Department of Health and Human Services (through the Health Resources and Services Administration) announced a competitive grant process for the states. Thirty states and territories applied for these grants; however, due to limited funding of $5 million, only seven states (Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont) were awarded grants to implement programs addressing maternal mental health. Read the HRSA announcement.

2016

Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015

The United States Congress enacted the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015 as part of the 21st Century Cures Act. This law provides funding for programs addressing maternal mental health issues at the state level. Funding was authorized for FY 2018-2022. Read the text of the law.

2010

The MOTHERS Act

The United States Congress passed (but did not fund) The MOTHER’S Act which called for research into the causes of and best treatments for postpartum depression, in addition to a public awareness campaign, a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and psychosis, and a grant program to fund treatment services. While The MOTHERS Act was not funded, it was historically significant as it introduced language about postpartum depression into the federal legislative record and garnered support and interest across political parties. Read the text of the law.