HCR 12: Recognize the importance of perinatal mental health
The resolution recognizes the importance of perinatal mental health, which encompasses the period from pregnancy through the first year postpartum. During this time, women are at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that can impact their physical and psychological health, as well as the health of their children. The resolution notes that up to 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance during the postpartum period, and that mental health conditions are currently the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the state. The resolution encourages support for programs that provide resources to pregnant women and newly parenting mothers, and encourages communication between mothers and their healthcare providers to drive better mental health outcomes. The resolution also aims to raise awareness about the silent health crisis of undiagnosed…
| Apr. 30, 2025 | Introduced and Referred to Committee: Health |
As Introduced
136th General Assembly
Regular Session 2025-2026
Representatives Somani, Ray
Cosponsors: Representatives Lawson-Rowe, Synenberg, Piccolantonio, Sweeney, Brent, Brennan, White, E., Mohamed, Rader, Robb Blasdel, McNally, Hall, D.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of perinatal mental health.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE SENATE CONCURRING):
WHEREAS, Depression and other mental health conditions are the most common complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; and
WHEREAS, The perinatal period, from pregnancy through the first year postpartum, is a transitional period that can result in anxiety and stress; and
WHEREAS, Perinatal stress, anxiety, and depression can adversely impact the physical and psychological health of women and their children; and
WHEREAS, According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance during the postpartum period; and
WHEREAS, One in five mothers develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder; and
WHEREAS, According to the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum psychosis affects between one and two per 1000 mothers, often develops rapidly, and may place the life of the mother and infant in danger related to its symptoms, which may include delusions, hallucinations, severe mood symptoms, and cognitive symptoms; and
WHEREAS, According to the Ohio Department of Health's Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Program, mental health conditions are currently the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Mental health conditions affect mothers and mothers-to-be of all races, ages, and socioeconomic levels; and
WHEREAS, Pregnant and parenting women with untreated mental health issues experience higher rates of infant and maternal mortality, family fragmentation, lack of prenatal care, low social support, financial and housing instability, co-occurring health complications, unmanageable job strain, difficulty meeting maternal role expectations, and childhood or perinatal trauma, including domestic and sexual abuse; and
WHEREAS, The societal impact of perinatal mental health conditions is pervasive, with far-reaching consequences on early childhood development, pediatric mental health, and general family well-being; and
WHEREAS, Undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mental health conditions are a silent health crisis in the United States, deserving recognition and action to save lives and improve the health and well-being of America's mothers, babies, fathers, families, and the community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, recognize the importance of perinatal mental health and are supportive of a coordinated approach to address pressing challenges and drive change to support improved maternal and birth outcomes in Ohio; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, encourage Ohio's continued investment in programs that provide support to pregnant women and newly parenting mothers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, encourage communication with moms to speak with their health care providers and peers about their experiences and drive better mental health outcomes; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the news media of Ohio.