Governor Andrew Cuomo Signs Executive Order 202.25 – April 29, 2020
"We know many pregnant women are struggling with additional stress & anxiety during this pandemic. I adopted the recommendations of the COVID-19 Maternity Task Force, led by
Melissa DeRosa, to try to address any additional pain points for expectant mothers. I just signed an Executive Order which:
+ Diversifies birthing site options to support patient choice
+ Extends the time period that a healthy partner can accompany a mother post-delivery
+ Clarifies that doulas are essential support and allowed during labor & delivery"
The Executive Order can be found here on the Governor's website. A pdf version can be found below.
Governor Cuomo Launches New Multi-Agency Effort to Combat Maternal Depression
Comprehensive Actions Ensure Women Receive Proper Access to Care and Treatment Builds Upon Additional Measures to Expedite Referrals and Treatment. Part of Governor Cuomo's 2018 Women's Agenda.
Press release can be found here.
Please click on the image below to view an archived image of the press release.
Update on Maternal Depression Bills:
Senate S4000 – Summary: Relates to maternal depression treatment; requires the commissioner of health, in collaboration with the commissioner of mental health, to compile a list of providers who treat or provide support for maternal depression. Status: Passed on 6/20/2017. Legislation page can be found here.
Assembly A8308 – Summary: Relates to maternal depression treatment; requires the commissioner of health, in collaboration with the commissioner of mental health, to compile a list of providers who treat or provide support for maternal depression. Status: Passed on 6/20/2017. Legislation page can be found here.
Next Step – Delivery to Governor for Signature or Veto
S6715/A9385 Maternal Depression Treatment Bill
Despite passing the Senate, this bill was delivered to the Assembly and not brought to the floor for a vote.
There are no votes for this bill in this legislative session.
S7881/A10066 Pediatricians to Screen for Maternal Depression Bill
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York supports S6715/A9385 Maternal Depression Treatment Bill and S7881/A10066 Pediatricians to Screen for Maternal Depression Bill to further address the serious public health concern of Maternal Depression and urges their enactment.
View the Postpartum Resource Center of New York's Memos of Support for the following bills:
S6715/A9385 Maternal Depression Treatment Bill
Despite passing the Senate, this bill was delivered to the Assembly and not brought to the floor for a vote.
There are no votes for this bill in this legislative session.
S7881/A10066 Pediatricians to Screen for Maternal Depression Bill
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York supports S6715/A9385 Maternal Depression Treatment Bill and S7881/A10066 Pediatricians to Screen for Maternal Depression Bill to further address the serious public health concern of Maternal Depression and urges their enactment.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proclaims May 2016, as Maternal Depression Awareness Month in the State of New York. Please click here to reach the New York State Assembly page for the resolution under bill K01215 and here to reach the Senate page for the resolution under bill K1215.
If the pages are no longer available, you may view them by clicking on the images below.
Governor Cuomo Announces Action to Ensure Health Insurers Provide Coverage For Maternal Depression Screening. On Monday, April 26, 2016, "Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to inform health insurers of their responsibility to provide health insurance coverage for maternal depression screenings. The guidance follows the United States Preventive Services Taskforce recommendations made earlier this year that group health plans and insurers offering group or individual health coverage must provide, with no copayment, coinsurance or deductible, preventative services such as depression screenings in pregnant and postpartum women."
To read the full press release, please click here. If the page is no longer available, you may view it by clicking on the image below. To read the NYS Department of Financial Services Insurance Circular Letter No. 1 (2016), dated April 26, 2016 with the subject "RE: Health Insurance Coverage for Maternal Depression Screening", please click here. If the page is no longer available, you may view the letter by clicking on the image below.
Pre-Natal to Pre-K: Supporting New York’s Families Senate Democrats Push for Stronger Paid Family Leave and Unveil Initiatives to Help Families During Critical Early Childhood Period. Proposals Draw Praise and Support from Advocate Organizations. Plan Would Save NY Taxpayers $2 Billion Annually.
"(Albany, NY) The Senate Democratic Conference today unveiled a set of policy initiatives spearheaded by the Senate Democratic Policy Group to help New York families during the critical early childhood period. These initiatives include a strong paid family leave program, increased access to childcare, assistance for New York’s working parents and caregivers, and support for the growth and development of all New York children. Multiple organizations that provide support and advocacy for new parents, young children and working class New Yorkers have already offered praise and support for the Senate Democratic proposals. When enacted, these initiatives would result in over $2 billion annually in savings and financial returns for New York State as well as additional economic activity."
To read the full press release, you may click on the text file below or view it at its New York State Senate Democratic Conference scribd.com page, which can be found here. To read the legislation document, you may click on the pdf file below or view it at its New York State Senate Democratic Conference scribd.com page, which can be found here.
The following comes from the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health website. For more information, please click here to reach their website. If the page is no longer available, please see the image below.
Every year the National Coalition leads the @MayCampaign, the first National campaign to raise awareness for maternal mental health complications. In its third year, we rally survivors, advocates, and organizations to raise awareness of this number one complication of childbirth.
From Monday, May 2nd to Friday, May 6 2016, the NCMMH will share messages and images through social media and encourage moms, friends, family and care providers to ask her the question! Stay tuned for more details.
You can support the campaign by sharing daily messages on your Facebook and Twitter and by displaying the new National symbol for maternal mental health awareness, the Blue Dot, on your website or home page.
National Lobby Day - National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health
The following comes from the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health website. For more information, please click here to reach their website. If the page is no longer available, please see the image below.
This May 16th and 17th, 2016 the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health will be organizing the largest gathering of advocates, survivors, and organizations in Washington D.C. to advocate for change for all mothers and we want YOU there!
Come be part of this historic gathering to ensure our legislators and policy makers know that mothers and babies matter especially when it comes to complications from a maternal mental health illness during pregnancy and postpartum.
Please click here to reach the NCMMH website page for this event.
The following comes from the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health website. For more information, please click here to reach their website.
NCMMH is thrilled to launch the first ever National Day of Action! Our countries leaders need to know Moms around the nation support federal bill "Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015” (HR 3235 and S 2311). Congresswoman Katherine Clark's press release page for this bill can be found here or you may view it below.
You, your family and friends, and your organization can all make the difference, by using your social media to tap into your amazing “boots on the ground” followers and grassroots advocates, encouraging them to participate in this National Day of Action!
To review the bill at it's official congressional page, please click here. You may also view the bill or download it by clicking on the file below.
Learn how you can take part in this amazing event!
WHEN
February 11, 2016
WHERE
#LoveAnotherMother
