Title: An act relating to postpartum depression.

Brief Description: Ordering a public information campaign on postpartum depression.

Sponsors: By Senators Regala, Brandland, Pridemore, Hargrove, Thibaudeau, Oke, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Health Care: 3/29/05, 3/31/05 [DPA];

Appropriations: 4/2/05 [DPA(HC)].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 4/11/05, 95-1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Bailey, Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Appleton, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Lantz, Moeller and Schual-Berke.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Fromhold, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; McDonald, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Buri, Clements, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Dunshee, Grant, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, McDermott, McIntire, Miloscia, Pearson, Priest, Schual-Berke and Walsh.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; and Talcott.

Staff: Amy Skei (786-7140).

Background:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (College) distinguishes between three different types of mood disorders that a mother may experience in the period after childbirth: the "baby blues," postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. While the "baby blues" generally disappear within two weeks of delivery, postpartum depression can last from several months to over a year and frequently requires counseling and treatment. The College estimates that postpartum depression affects approximately 10 percent of new mothers.

Summary of Amended Bill:

The Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect shall conduct a public information campaign regarding the significance, signs, and treatment of postpartum depression. Twenty-five thousand dollars is appropriated for the campaign.

Appropriation: The amount of $25,000.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: (Health Care) When women are going through postpartum depression, they tend to ignore or abuse their children. Postpartum depression is treatable and people need to be able to recognize its signs. Infants of depressed mothers may have later emotional and behavioral problems and are more likely to have developmental delays. Addressing maternal depression will save money to the education, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.

Testimony For: (Appropriations) None.

Testimony Against: (Health Care) None.

Testimony Against: (Appropriations) None.

Persons Testifying: (Health Care) (In support) Senator Regala, prime sponsor; Linda McDaniels; and MerrieLynn Rice, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

(Neutral) Sheri Hill, University of Washington Center on Infant Mental Health and Development.

Persons Testifying: (Appropriations) None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: (Health Care) None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: (Appropriations) None.