It’s true. Nothing has happened.
I remember standing there in the shadow of the United States Capitol in 2010 so excited that the Melanie Blocker Stokes Mothers Act had passed. We were getting somewhere. The federal government was officially recognizing how common postpartum depression is and how mentally healthy moms are crucial to new families getting a strong start. There would be money allotted to increase services for women with postpartum depression around the country.
We’re still not a priority though, even with the act passed. Perhaps we’re not even somewhere in the middle of the priority list. No national actions have been taken. So says Carol Blocker, mother of Melanie, in a recent article in the Chicago Tribune:
” … today, when asked what has been accomplished through the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, the Chicago woman minces no words: ‘Absolutely nothing.’”
P.S. You might also want to check out another story from the Chicago Tribune featuring Natachia Barlow, a mom who experienced postpartum psychosis.
About Katherine Stone
Katherine Stone
How frustrating.
Is there anything we can do to get them to start making things happen? Would a change.org petition that emails every politician on Cap Hill every time someone signs help?
You know, I’m not sure what would help, Esther. It appears the only time Congress does anything is when there’s a major tragedy.