Alabama just took a big step for new moms—but postpartum depression care still falls short
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By making screening a standard part of postpartum care for Medicaid-covered mothers, Alabama is taking a step toward getting more moms the help they deserve.
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Good news for new moms in Alabama: The state House has has approved a substitute bill (SUB HB322) that would require healthcare professionals to screen for postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers covered by Medicaid. House Bill 322, which now heads to the state Senate for consideration, would ensure that eligible new mothers are assessed for PPD as part of their routine care.
If signed into law, the bill will take effect on October 1, 2025. While treatment isn’t mandated under the bill, this is a massive step toward recognizing and addressing a condition affecting millions of women annually.
Why is this bill a big deal? Because postpartum depression is real, and for too long, it’s been overlooked. According to the CDC, about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of PPD, but many suffer in silence, which has adverse impacts on both mom and baby.
Critically, an emerging body of research is finding that a widespread lack of support for new moms in America (like not getting help from family and neighbors after birth and no right to paid maternity leave) has a direct and negative impact on postpartum mental health.
By making screening a standard part of postpartum care for Medicaid-covered mothers, Alabama is taking a step toward getting more moms the help they deserve—because no one should have to navigate this alone.
However, the bill does not require healthcare professionals to provide treatment for postpartum depression. Instead, doctors and other medical providers will have discretion in recommending care based on their professional judgment.
Related: Yes, you can use FMLA for PPD and other postpartum mental health conditions
What is postpartum depression?
PPD is more than just “baby blues.” While it’s normal for new moms to feel emotional or overwhelmed in the first couple of weeks after birth (thanks, hormones!), postpartum depression is a more serious condition that can last for months if left untreated. Symptoms can include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Extreme fatigue or trouble sleeping (beyond the usual newborn chaos)
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or feeling constantly on edge
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Loss of interest in things that used to bring joy
- Feeling like you’re not a good mom or that your baby would be better off without you
For some women, PPD can even lead to thoughts of self-harm or harming their baby—which is why early screening and intervention are so critical. [Editor’s note: For postpartum depression support, you can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), or the Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773. If you are thinking of harming yourself or your baby, call 9-1-1.]
Related: I was a ‘walking zombie’ with undiagnosed PPD—but like so many other women, I never received help
A step in the right direction—but moms need more support
While this bill is great news, it’s just the beginning. Screening is essential, but what happens after a mom is identified as struggling? Access to affordable mental health care is still a major barrier for many women—especially in states with fewer providers or where treatment costs are high. And let’s not forget the bigger picture:
- The U.S. is one of the only developed countries without guaranteed paid maternity leave.
- Childcare costs are so high they rival mortgage payments in some states.
- Mental health resources for moms are still not covered by all insurance plans.
Moms need more than recognition—they need real, systemic support. Paid leave, affordable childcare, social support, and accessible therapy would go a long way toward ensuring that every mom gets the care she needs, not just the ones who can afford it.
So yes, Alabama’s bill is a step in the right direction for Medicaid-covered moms. But postpartum depression affects all mothers, and without broader access to screening and treatment, many will still struggle to get the help they need. Ensuring affordable mental health care, paid leave, and better postpartum support for all moms remains critical. Because when moms thrive, everyone benefits.
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