2025 State Maternal Mental Health Legislation Report

Citation: Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. (2026, June). 2025 State Maternal Mental Health Legislation Report [Report]. http://www.doi.org/10.69764/SMMH2025

Introduction 

This third annual state legislative report tracks the states that introduced legislation and the states that passed legislation in 2025. Additionally, we categorize and describe all introduced legislation (see Exhibit A for a list of bills introduced and have not yet passed or “died”), provide a summary of each bill passed, and for those deemed substantive, an assessment of alignment with our model legislation. For the first time, we provide an impact score for those bills. 

In recent years, there has been increased awareness of maternal mental health, and the need for legislative policy at both the Federal and state levels. While the Federal government can take some action, because healthcare policy is largely left to the states, it’s critical that state legislatures understand the gaps and opportunities and the evidence-based state policy solutions. 

The Policy Center has a dedicated state policy webpage that includes: 

1. Our model legislation which legislators and advocates can use to guide development of legislation 

2. Enacted legislation by state

3. Pending legislation 

4. Our annual state report cards which grade states on key state indicators     

Tracking and Categorization Methods

We used the Quorum platform to identify active state maternal mental health legislation using the following keywords: “postpartum depression,” “maternal depression,” “perinatal depression,” “perinatal mood and anxiety disorders,” “perinatal anxiety,” “postpartum anxiety,” and “maternal mental health.” 

The Policy Center team used thematic analysis to review and categorize legislation (a bill could be categorized in multiple categories) using the categories consistent with 2024 with several new categories being added (bolded below):

Access to Care

Awareness: Maternal Health

Awareness: Mental Health

Case Management

Department of Corrections

Funding for MMH Programs

Insurance Coverage

Insurer Requirements

Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Measurement

MMH Task Force

Other

Other Nondescript

Patient Education

Personal Recognition

Provider Education

Reimbursement

Screening

Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law

Work Force 

Findings

Legislation Introduced

One-hundred and seven (107) bills, including resolutions, were introduced in 34 states in 2025, compared to 73 in 21 states in 2024. This was a 47% increase in the number of bills introduced.  

In 2025, the categories with the highest number of bills were “Patient Education” and “Screening.” There were 35 bills that covered multiple categories. See Table 1 below.

Table 1: States that Introduced MMH Legislation in 2025

CATEGORY	STATES
Access to Care	GA, IL, OK, WI
Case Management	CA, OR, MO
Department of Corrections	AR, DC, IN, MA, WI
Funding for MMH Programs	AZ, MA, MO, NY, TX, WA
Insurance Coverage	AL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MO, MS, NH, NY, TX
Insurance Requirements	MD
Maternal Mortality Review Committee	IN
Measurement	MN, VA, TX
MMH Task Force	AZ, CT
Other (does not fit into our existing categories)	AZ, IL, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TX
Other Nondescript (includes a measure that we track in a bill not specifically pertaining to maternal health)	IL
Patient Education	AL, AZ, GA, IN, KY, MA, MS, NY, OK, SC, TX, VA, WI
Provider Education	AL, GA, IL, MS, NH, NY, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Awareness: Maternal Health	CA, DE, IL, NY, TN
Awareness: Maternal Mental Health	CA, GA, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, TX
Resolutions: Personal Recognition	GA, LA
Reimbursement	MN
Screening	AL, CA, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NH, NY, OK, SC
Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law	IL
Work Force	GA, NH

Legislation Enacted

Thirteen states passed (also referred to as enacted) 18 pieces of legislation.  Of these states, only five states passed laws that were substantive in nature and aligned with our model legislation in some way. Additionally, 12 awareness resolutions were passed in nine states. 

See Table 2 below.  

Of note, 40 bills were carried over to 2026. Note the following states have two year legislative sessions: California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Table 2: States that passed MMH Legislation in 2025 by category

CATEGORY	STATES
Access to Care
Case Management
Department of Corrections	AR
Funding for MMH Programs(Appropriations Bills)	AZ, MA,  MO, TX, WA
Insurance Coverage	IL
Insurer Requirements
Maternal Mortality Review Committee
Measurement	MN, TX, VA
MMH Task Force	AZ, CT
Other
Other Nondescript
Patient Education	AZ, TX, VA
Provider Education	TN, VA
Resolutions: Maternal Health Awareness	CA, DE, NY
Resolutions Maternal Mental Health Awareness	CA, NE, NH, NM, NY, TX
Resolutions: Personal Recognition	GA, LA
Reimbursement	MN
Screening	IL, MO, NY
Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law	IL
Work Force

Descriptions of Enacted Laws

The following are summaries of the 18 laws which were enacted as of December 2025. 

Arkansas

S.B.320 (Department of Corrections): Amended the Arkansas Juvenile Code to prohibit the use of solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities for individuals who are pregnant, postpartum (within 30 days of delivery), breastfeeding, suffering from postpartum mental health conditions, or caring for a child within the facility.

Arizona

H.B. 2332 (Patient Education, MMH Task Force): Required the Department of Health to compile and maintain up-to-date educational materials on maternal mental health conditions, including symptoms, coping methods, and treatment options. It mandates that health care institutions and professionals provide these materials to patients during prenatal care, upon the onset of pregnancy, and to new parents upon discharge. 

Directs the Department of Health Services to establish an advisory committee on obstetrics, gynecology and maternal mental health in rural communities. The committee, comprised of diverse healthcare professionals and hospital representatives, is tasked with developing recommendations to enhance the delivery of and access to evidenced-based postpartum depression screening and referrals for treatment. These recommendations must evaluate public and private insurance coverage, provider reimbursement incentives, and pharmacological treatment options. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2026.

S.B.1735 (Funding for MMH Programs): This bill is the state’s general appropriations act which appropriated $100,000 to establish the above mentioned  advisory committee..

Connecticut

H.B.7214 (MMH Task Force): Directs the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to study and provide recommendations on improving perinatal mental health services and increasing doula integration in Connecticut hospitals. The committee will examine evidence-based treatment practices and workforce development initiatives, specifically focusing on the use of peer support specialists and community health workers to expand access and eliminate barriers to care for at-risk populations. The committee will also examine models for private and public funding of perinatal mental health care initiatives and financial models for reimbursement for doula services, including, but not limited to, Medicaid and private insurance. The committee, comprised of diverse healthcare professionals and those with lived experience, must submit an initial report by February 1, 2026, and a final report by January 1, 2027, to the General Assembly.

Illinois

H.B.3019 (Insurance Coverage): Amends multiple sections of Illinois law to prohibit prior authorization for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for mental health care including during pregnancy and the postpartum, and extends the prior authorization ban on inpatient mental health care to outpatient services and partial mental health treatment hospitalizations covered by state-regulated insurance, private insurance plans and Medicaid. Starting in 2026, requires insurers to reimburse beneficiaries for food, lodging, and travel if they must seek out-of-network behavioral health care due to network inadequacy. 

S.B.0019 (Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law): Amends the Illinois Unified Code of Corrections to reform the parole and medical release process by requiring the Prisoner Review Board to consider specific mitigating factors when deciding whether to grant or deny release. The Board must now evaluate evidence that a petitioner suffered from postpartum psychosis or postpartum depression (as defined by the Code of Civil Procedure), if those conditions were contributing factors to the person’s criminal behavior or participation in the offense.

Kentucky

H.B.90 (MMH Task Force): Creates an infant end-of-life program that provides parents with counseling, education, guidance about what to expect in the grieving process, emotional support, assistance with the creation of memories and keepsakes, preparation for meeting the baby and understanding the limitations that may be present at birth, preparing a plan of care for the baby, and religious/spiritual and emotional support for families.  (Note, the governor’s veto was overridden by the legislature.) 

Massachusetts

H.4240 (Funding for MMH Programs): This general appropriations bill provided $220,000 in funding for the Massachusetts Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, grants to community-based organizations serving perinatal and postpartum women, and additional services addressing perinatal and postpartum substance abuse disorders. 

Minnesota

H.F.2/S.F.6 (Reimbursement, Measurement): Requires the commissioner of human services to align Medicaid payments with state policy goals, specifically targeting the improvement of one of the following quality measures: well child visits; maternal depression screening; or colon cancer screening. Requires the commissioner, in consultation with the Minnesota Hospital Association, to develop quality measures performance evaluation criteria and a methodology to regularly measure access to care and the achievement of state policy goals, and to submit this data to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services after at least 12 months of payments.

Missouri

H.B.10 (Funding for MMH Programs, Screening): This general appropriations bill, provides $750,000 to the Department of Mental Health to implement a universal screening program to identify maternal depression and related behavioral health disorders, including anxiety, substance use disorder, and depression. 

New York

A.1025/S.802 (Screening): Amends the existing statute to require the commissioner of health to consult with the office of addiction services and supports, as an additional agency, to publish guidance on incorporating maternal depression screenings into routine perinatal care. 

A.3003D (Funding for MMH Programs): This general appropriations bill allocates $27 million in localities funding for maternal health, maternal mental health, peer support, and healthcare provider training. 

Tennessee

S.B.0849 (Provider Education): Amends Tennessee Code Title 63, which requires the board of medical examiners, the board of osteopathic examination, and the board of examiners in psychology to each develop and offer an optional course in maternal mental health to, instead, require the department of health to collaborate with an organization in the state that is approved by the board and accredited as a sponsor of continuing medical education to create or identify a maternal mental health continuing education program. The program should cover: best practices in screening for maternal mental health disorders; the range of maternal mental health disorders; the range of evidence-based treatment options, including the importance of allowing a mother to be involved in developing the treatment plan; and, for an obstetrician or a primary care physician, when to consult with a psychiatrist versus making a referral.

Texas

H.B.3940/S.B.2728 (Patient Education): H.B. 3940 amends the Texas Human Resources Code and Health and Safety Code. Requires prenatal obstetric care providers and hospitals at the time of delivery to provide a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of professional organizations that provide postpartum counseling and assistance to parents relating to postpartum depression (PPD) and other emotional trauma associated with pregnancy and parenting. The bill also requires healthcare providers to distribute a resource pamphlet to parents, which includes information on postpartum support including postpartum depression, among other things. The Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission are tasked with updating informational materials and developing notices by December 1, 2025. Compliance with the new provisions is required by January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

S.B.1 /S.R.634/H.R.1446 (Funding for MMH Programs, Measurement): This General Appropriations Act dedicates $5 million to the maternal mortality review committee including identifying or creating a risk assessment tool to identify pregnant women at a higher risk for poor postpartum outcomes and training providers on how to use the tool. The act allocates a portion of the funding to collect information on postpartum depression screening and treatment under state health programs annually.

Virginia

H.B.2109 (Measurement): Re-establishes the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures. The Task force is responsible for improving maternal care and outcomes through data related to maternal care and health benefits and the impact of social determinants of health. Additionally, the Task Force shall monitor and evaluate data from new Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure updates to Postpartum Depression Screening and Follow-up Care.

H.B.2446 (Patient Education, Provider Education): Directs the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials for the public and providers including creating an online resource hub focused on perinatal and postpartum depression. The bill requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the implementation of the bill, with the first annual report due by December 31, 2026.

Washington

S.B. 5167 (Funding for MMH Programs): This general apportions bill provides $500,000 for a perinatal support warm line, offering peer support, resources, and referrals for new and expectant parents experiencing or at risk for postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health challenges. An additional $410,000 from opioid settlement funds is directed toward perinatal opioid use disorder services, including information and support for affected parents.

Passed Maternal Mental Health Resolutions 

Additionally, twelve resolutions were passed across nine states in 2025. The following are summaries of these resolutions. 

California

A.C.R.18/S.C.R.9 (Awareness: Maternal Health): Established January 23, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Day to draw attention to the efforts that have improved maternal health in California and to highlight the need for continued improvement of maternal health for all women. It specifically mandates a focus on racial disparities and calls for improved coordination between obstetrics and psychiatry to enhance maternal mental health screenings and postpartum care.

A.C.R.78 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Proclaimed May 2025 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in California to raise awareness and encourage action to address the prevalence and impact of maternal mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis.

Delaware

H.C.R.5 (Awareness: Maternal Health): Designated January 23, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Delaware to address the state’s maternal health crisis, while advocating for the use of doulas and maternal safety bundles to combat leading causes of death like hypertensive disorders and postpartum hemorrhage, and calling for state initiatives to address a projected shortage of up to 15,000 OB/GYNs by 2050.

Georgia

H.R.270 (Organization/Personal Recognition): Commends Dr. Tenisha Bibbs for her 25 years of advocacy in maternal health and postpartum care, specifically through her work as CEO of Tenisha Bibbs Enterprises and founder of Refocus Newborn Health & Postpartum Care. The resolution recognizes her efforts to eliminate barriers to care and reduce maternal suicide and postpartum depression through community-based resources and breastfeeding education. It further highlights her policy advocacy for expanding Medicaid and insurance coverage for doula services and holistic postpartum support.

Louisiana

S.R.110 (Organization/Personal Recognition): Commends the Louisiana Department of Health for launching Project Maternal Overdose Mortality (Project M.O.M.), which aims to address the crisis of accidental opioid overdose.

Nebraska

L.R.143 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Designates May 2025 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Nebraska and expresses support for individuals diagnosed with these disorders.

New Mexico

H.M.56 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Designates May as National Maternal Health Awareness Month within the state and calls on the state Department of Health to collaborate with allied organizations to facilitate increased awareness and education about prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders; explore and encourage the use of prenatal screening tools; and improve the availability of and access to effective treatment, prevention and support services. 

New Hampshire

H.B.2 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Resolution designating May 2025 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month referencing a report that found 18% of pregnancy-associated deaths from 2014 to 2022 had mental health as a contributing factor. 

New York

K.568 (Awareness: Maternal Health): Proclaims May 1-8, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Week in New York State in alignment with World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 7, 2025.

K.515 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Proclaims May as Postpartum Depression Awareness Month.

K.687 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Proclaims May 27-31, 2025, as Postpartum Depression Awareness Week in the state of New York. 

Texas

H.R.586 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Designated March 18, 2025 as Maternal Mental Health Day at the State Capitol

Analysis and New Impact Scoring 

Though a substantial number of states introduced legislation addressing maternal mental health, only a few states have passed legislation in 2025, which we define as substantive (aligning with our model legislation in some way). Those states’ bills are summarized in Table 3 below, which includes the categories for laws which the Policy Center deems substantive. In 2025, we have added an impact score in this section, in addition to our analysis which rates likely impact on a scale of 0-5. We excluded awareness resolutions and appropriations bills from this assessment, though we recognize financial appropriations of programs is critical.

Table 3: 2025 State Maternal Mental Health Laws Deemed Substantive

State	Bill #	Impact Score	SCREENING MANDATES	OB REIMBURSEMENT	HEDIS REPORTING	INSURER NETWORK ADEQUACY	MMH TASK FORCE	OTHER
AZ	H.B. 2332	4					X
CT	H.B.7214	5					X
IL	H.B.3019	4.5						X
MO	H.B.10		X
VA	H.B.2109	3.5			X

Impact Score and Analysis

Only five states enacted substantive legislation in 2025, one more than in 2024. 

Arizona H.B. 2332 (MMH Task Force)

Directs the Department of Health Services to establish an advisory committee on obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal mental health in rural communities to ensure care is available in low volume, high-risk rural communities. The committee, comprised of diverse healthcare professionals and hospital representatives, is tasked with developing recommendations to enhance the delivery of and access to Obstetric care and evidenced-based postpartum depression screening and referrals for treatments. These recommendations must evaluate public and private insurance coverage, provider reimbursement incentives, and pharmacological treatment options. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2026.

Connecticut H.B.7214 (MMH Task Force): Directs the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to study and provide recommendations on improving perinatal mental health services and increasing doula integration in Connecticut hospitals. The committee will examine evidence-based treatment practices and workforce development initiatives, specifically focusing on the use of peer support specialists and community health workers to expand access and eliminate barriers to care for at-risk populations. The committee will also examine models for private and public funding of perinatal mental health care initiatives and financial models for reimbursement for doula services, including, but not limited to, Medicaid and private insurance. The committee, comprised of diverse healthcare professionals and those with lived experience, must submit an initial report by February 1, 2026, and a final report by January 1, 2027, to the General Assembly.

Illinois H.B.3019 This bill amends multiple sections of Illinois law to prohibit prior authorization for maternal mental health and substance use disorder treatment during pregnancy and postpartum. It extends the previously enacted authorization ban on inpatient maternal mental health care to outpatient services and partial mental health treatment hospitalizations covered by state-regulated insurance, private insurance plans and Medicaid. 

Missouri H.B.10 This budget bill required the Department of Mental Health to implement a universal screening program to identify maternal depression and related behavioral health disorders, including anxiety, substance use disorder, and depression. It also allocates $750,000 from the Department of Mental Health Federal Fund to the Division of Behavioral Health to support this screening initiative.  

Virginai H.B.2109 (Measurement): Re-establishes the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures. The Task force is responsible for improving maternal care and outcomes through data related to maternal care and health benefits and the impact of social determinants of health. Additionally, the Task Force shall monitor and evaluate data from new Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure updates to Postpartum Depression Screening and Follow-up Care.

Policy Center’s Ongoing Pulse on State Policy

The Policy Center will continue to promote evidence-based policy to improve maternal mental health outcomes. As a data-driven think tank, we reassess and update our model state legislation each year to support state policymakers in implementing effective policy, providing direct support as needed. 

See our model legislation, summaries of all passed legislation by state, and which states have current live legislation here. 

If you are aware of a maternal mental health law that we missed or framed incorrectly, please drop us a line at [email protected].  

---

Exhibit A 
Descriptions of Legislation Introduced in 2025, but not Passed (Still Active)

California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have a two-year session, which will continue in 2026. Following are summaries of their active MMH bills:

California 

S.B.626 (Screening, Case Management): This bill aims to improve maternal mental health care in California by establishing more comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment requirements for healthcare providers and insurers. It mandates that licensed healthcare practitioners who provide perinatal care must screen, diagnose, and treat patients for maternal mental health conditions according to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Health care service plans and health insurers will be required to modify their maternal mental health programs to include case management and care coordination for patients during the perinatal period, and annually report on the utilization and outcomes of these services and provide coverage for at least one FDA-approved medication and one digital therapeutic specifically for maternal mental health conditions. 

Georgia

S.B.371 (Work Force Category): Establishes a grant program to create and fund peer support services in hospitals and related systems, aiming to improve recovery and reduce system strain by integrating lived-experience support into care pathways. It includes training for professional and technical staff, as well as certified peer specialists. Importantly, the bill requires a specific designation for maternal mental health within these peer support roles.

H.R.395 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Designates the month of May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.

H.B.649 (Insurance Coverage): The Georgia Maternal Mental Health Improvement Act would require insurers to cover maternal mental health screening during the prenatal period and up to 12 months postpartum at specified intervals:  first prenatal visit; second or third trimester; screening during the six-week postpartum visit; and additional screenings at three, six, and 12 months postpartum.

S.B.308 (Insurance Coverage, Screening): This bill aims to improve access to treatment and support by requiring Medicaid coverage for lactation care and services, postpartum care for mothers for one year following the date that pregnancy ends, and postpartum mental health care services for mothers, including screenings for depression and anxiety, and maternal mental health support for one year after the pregnancy ends. 

H.B.925 (Patient Education, Provider Education, Access to Care, Insurance Coverage, Screening): The ‘Georgia Maternal Health Momnibus Act’ aims to improve maternal health outcomes by addressing systemic disparities, expanding healthcare access, and enhancing support services for pregnant and postpartum women in Georgia. The bill proposes several initiatives, including the establishment of pilot programs for prenatal and postpartum care through telemedicine and mobile health clinics in areas with limited maternity care. It mandates implicit bias training for healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care and establishes a Regional Perinatal Center Advisory Committee to assess and recommend improvements in maternal health services. The bill also requires coverage for maternal mental health screening and care, and introduces a pilot program for Medicaid coverage of doula care. Additionally, it seeks to expand the Georgia WIC program to cover children up to six years of age and establishes the Supporting Healthy Moms Grant Program to address social determinants of maternal health. The bill includes provisions for workplace accommodations related to pregnancy and exempts the sale of diapers from taxation. It also establishes a Severe Maternal Morbidity Review Committee to collect and analyze data on severe maternal morbidity and pregnancy-related deaths. Furthermore, this act seeks to address maternal health disparities in Georgia by amending various titles of the “Official Code of Georgia Annotated.” The bill is contingent upon appropriations by the General Assembly and includes various reporting and evaluation requirements to assess the effectiveness of the proposed programs and initiatives.



Illinois 

H.B.1456 (Insurance Coverage, Screening): This bill narrows eligibility and benefits for noncitizens under Illinois’ medical assistance programs. This change may not align with organizations focused on expanding healthcare access for immigrants and noncitizens, as it restricts previously available benefits and services. However, the bill upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy.

H.B.4215 (Other Nondescript, Screening): This bill amends the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act. While the bill focuses on newborn screenings, it upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy.

S.B.0693 (Other): The amendment does not impact the core mission or issue areas of organizations focused on maternal mental health, as it is purely a technical correction to the statutory language.

H.B.2552/S.B.1581 (Other Nondescript, Screening): This bill directly impacts the funding for dental services provided under the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid in Illinois. However, the bill upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy.

H.B.2554/S.B.1580 (Other Nondescript, Screening): Much like H.B.2552, this bill impacts the funding for dental services provided under the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid in Illinois. It also upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy.

H.B.3434 (Other, Screening): This bill focuses on expanding medicaid coverage for nutrition care services and medical nutrition therapy provided by registered dietitians. It also upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy.

H.B.1504 (Insurance Coverage, Screening): amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to require that, no later than July 1, 2025, over-the-counter choline dietary supplements for pregnant persons be covered under the state’s medical assistance program (Medicaid). This change mandates the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to include these supplements as a covered benefit for eligible pregnant individuals, ensuring access without the need for a prescription. The legislation aligns with public health objectives to support maternal and prenatal health by expanding access to nutritional supplements that may benefit fetal development. It also upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy. The act is effective immediately upon becoming law, with the specific coverage requirement to be implemented by July 1, 2025. 

H.B.2398 (Other): Enhances oversight and transparency around rules that limit access to FDA-approved medications for serious mental illnesses, including postpartum depression, in state Medicaid programs. This bill requires the Illinois’ healthcare department and managed care organizations to submit regular reports (starting with services after July 1, 2025) detailing prescription denials, costs, reasons for denials, complaints, and related ER visits or hospitalizations. These quarterly reports must be published publicly, and organizations that don’t comply can face penalties. The legislation aims to ensure timely access to mental health medications, improve accountability, and monitor the impact of these policies on patient outcomes and state expenditures. The Act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

H.B.2438 (Other): Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to improve access to timely and effective treatment for serious mental illnesses, including postpartum depression, by limiting delays caused by prior authorization under Illinois’ medical assistance programs. The bill ensures that if a patient—such as a new mother—has already tried a preferred medication for at least 14 days within the past 60 days without success, insurers cannot require additional prior authorization to switch to another FDA-approved treatment. This removes previous restrictions that made it harder to adjust care unless there were changes in provider, insurance, or dosage.  This legislation aims to reduce administrative barriers to timely treatment for adults with serious mental illnesses including postpartum depression.

H.B.3020 (Access to Care, Insurance Coverage, Screening): This bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code to further expand protections and access to mental health and substance use disorder services. It groups any mental health condition that occurs during pregnancy or during the postpartum period including, but is not limited to, postpartum depression with mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. The bill specifically prohibits individual and group health benefit plans from imposing any prior authorization requirements on outpatient services for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, or treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions.  This aligns with the mission of organizations focused on mental health and substance use disorder advocacy by promoting timely access to care, reducing delays caused by prior authorization, and supporting parity in insurance coverage for behavioral health services.

H.B.3549 (Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law): Amends the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure and the Code of Civil Procedure to expand legal pathways for justice for individuals whose mental health may have impacted their criminal cases, regardless of their custody, citizenship, or immigration status. It allows people to challenge convictions or sentences at any time, including retroactively, if there was a legal error or new evidence. By removing strict time limits and ensuring access to legal counsel, the bill creates an opportunity for affected mothers to present new medical evidence or context about their mental health at the time of the incident.  This bill acknowledges the role of serious maternal mental health conditions in criminal sentencing, reduces procedural barriers, and allows for reconsideration of cases where justice may have been compromised.

H.B.4034/S.B.1844 (Access to Care, Insurance Coverage): Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to further restrict the use of prior authorization mandates and utilization management controls for FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat serious mental illnesses, including postpartum depression. Under this bill, if a patient has already tried a preferred medication for at least 14 days within the past 60 days without success, insurers could not impose prior authorization for a new prescription—whether it’s a preferred or non-preferred drug. The protection also applies if the patient is stable but switches providers or insurance, or needs a dosage adjustment of an already approved medication. While reducing these administrative barriers, the bill still allows standard safety measures like drug reviews, generic substitution, and compliance with federal rules. It also clearly defines which mental health conditions qualify.

H.R.0237 (Awareness: Maternal Health): Recognizes the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in Illinois and the United States, citing data from the CDC and other sources that highlight persistent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. The resolution attributes these disparities to structural racism, gender oppression, and social determinants of health, noting that Black women face increased barriers to accessing quality maternal care, including prenatal, postpartum, and mental health services. It also points out the impact of maternity care deserts, workplace discrimination, and punitive practices in the criminal justice system on Black birthing people. The resolution calls for comprehensive policy responses, including investment in community-led maternal care, continuous health insurance coverage for at least one year postpartum, and the removal of structural and legal barriers for Black midwives and perinatal health workers. It declares April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois, urges the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and similar legislation, and emphasizes the need for Black women and birthing persons to be active participants in policy decisions affecting their health. The resolution aligns with the organization’s mission to advance health equity, reproductive justice, and support for Black-led community health initiatives.

S.B.2103 (Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law): Amends the Illinois Stalking No Contact Order Act and numerous related statutes to expand protections against harassment and stalking, while also broadening how the legal system defines and responds to threatening behavior. The bill broadens the definition of ‘harassment’ to include even a single act involving violence or a credible threat that can qualify if it would reasonably cause fear or emotional distress.  It also standardizes procedures for obtaining and enforcing protective orders, including remote hearings, clearer filing processes, and stronger enforcement tools like contact restrictions and firearm limitations. Notably, the bill includes provisions for individuals charged with stalking and harassment while affected by postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis at the time of the crime they are being charged of committing.

S.B.1266 (Sentencing/Other Provisions of Law): Recognizes postpartum mental health conditions—specifically postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis —as legally significant factors in certain criminal sentencing cases. The bill allows a person convicted of a forcible felony to seek relief if they can show, by a preponderance of evidence, that their involvement in the offense was a direct result of PPD or PPP. It also requires showing that this condition was not presented during the original trial or sentencing by a qualified medical professional, and that the person either could not raise it at the time or it was not properly understood or treated as a recognized mental illness. Finally, the evidence must be substantial enough that it likely would have changed the original sentence.

S.B.1743 (Other Nondescript, Screening): This bill expands the prescriptive authority of licensed clinical psychologists by removing age restrictions that previously prevented them from prescribing to patients under 17 or over 65. The bill mandates that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services provide Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for these prescription management services. It also upholds the requirement from previous legislation for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for perinatal depression screenings for the 12-month period beginning on the last day of their pregnancy. 

Massachusetts 

H.1312 (Insurance Coverage): ‘An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services’ aims to mandate insurance coverage for doula services in Massachusetts. It amends several chapters of the General Laws to ensure that doula services are covered without deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or other cost-sharing requirements. The bill defines doula services as non-medical support provided from conception until twelve months after pregnancy-related events, including labor, childbirth, adoption, miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. It requires policies to cover a minimum of twenty hours of prenatal and postpartum doula services per pregnancy and continuous support during labor and delivery. The bill also establishes a Doula Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation and integration of doula services into healthcare systems, ensuring equitable access and representation. The legislation is set to apply to all relevant insurance policies issued or renewed on or after September 1, 2026, and includes provisions for the credentialing of doulas and the establishment of grievance procedures. Additionally, it amends Chapter 111 to guarantee the right of patients to have their doula present during labor and delivery in healthcare facilities.

H.2452/S.1559 (Other): Proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission in Massachusetts to improve care, support, and resources for individuals experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). The bill emphasizes the inclusion of individuals from underserved communities and aims to address inequities in maternal health. The commission will consist of a diverse group of stakeholders, including legislators, healthcare professionals, and individuals with personal experience of HG including one member of the Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts and one member of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression. The commission’s tasks include examining insurance coverage for HG treatments, evaluating educational opportunities for healthcare providers, reviewing paid leave policies, and developing public awareness campaigns. Additionally, the commission will explore research opportunities and evaluate state programs for potential enhancements. The commission is required to submit a report that evaluates existing continuing education and training for mental health professionals and OB/GYN practitioners on hyperemesis gravidarum diagnosis and management, and recommends strategies for the Legislature, Department of Public Health, and private institutions to expand access to these educational opportunities by September 1, 2026.

H.4344/S.789 (Insurance Coverage): Mandates comprehensive insurance coverage for doula services across a wide range of health insurance plans in Massachusetts. The bill defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided by trained doulas from conception through twelve months postpartum, including support for pregnancy loss, adoption, and abortion. Covered services include continuous labor and delivery support, bereavement visits, accompaniment to appointments, connection to community resources, on-call support, education, and advocacy. The legislation requires that all relevant insurance policies provide coverage for at least twenty hours of prenatal and postpartum doula services per pregnancy, as well as continuous support during labor and delivery, without prior authorization or cost-sharing (such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance), except where federal tax law requires otherwise. Policies must also allow for additional hours in cases of heightened risk or need and cannot require referrals from other healthcare providers for reimbursement. It also strengthens workforce standards by aligning reimbursement with MassHealth rates and recognizing certified doulas as credentialed providers. A Doula Advisory Committee—largely made up of doulas and people with lived experience as MassHealth members—will help guide implementation, including reimbursement and care standards, and advise the Division of Medical Assistance on issues related to MassHealth’s coverage of doula services. The committee will convene within six months of the law’s passage, with staggered initial terms and subsequent two-year terms. Furthermore, the committee will meet with the Division of Medical Assistance at least every eight weeks (with the option to reduce frequency) to discuss billing standards, reimbursement rates, grievance procedures, and workforce diversity. The Division will be tasked with seeking resources to compensate committee members and reimburse their expenses. The bill also amends patient rights by granting them the option to have a doula present during labor and delivery, and stipulates that a doula cannot be counted as a guest or support person of the patient. 

S.1171/H.1924 (Patient Education, Screening, Other): This is a reintroduction of a 2024 bill, which would allow the courts to consider a maternal mental health disorder such as postpartum psychosis to be a mitigating factor in sentencing mothers for alleged crimes involving harming their infants/children.. S.1171 goes further than H.1924 by mandating screening defendants, who gave birth within 12 months prior to the crime for which they have been charged, for perinatal psychiatric complications by a qualified physician or psychologist and requiring the development of a public comprehensive digital resource center on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This resource would include information for health care providers and organizations serving perinatal individuals to aid them in treating or making appropriate referrals for individuals experiencing perinatal psychiatric complications as well as information and resources for perinatal individuals and their families to aid them in understanding and identifying perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and how to navigate available resources. Moreover, it would issue regulations that require health care providers and organizations to provide information to perinatal individuals and their families about how to access the digital resource center.

Minnesota 

S.F.1085/H.F. 35 (Screening, Other): Requires health plans to develop a maternal mental health program to ensure comprehensive and effective care by requiring providers to perform screenings as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and reimbursing health care professionals for all services including but not limited to screenings, diagnosing, coordinating treatment in an amount that at least equals the cost of providing such care. Further health plans must provide these health care professionals with resources and referrals to trained perinatal mental health providers to ensure timely and effective care.  A health plan is prohibited from delaying a referral to a qualified behavioral health care professional when clinically indicated which includes but is not limited to a positive screening result administered by a health care professional, or an enrollee reporting suicidal ideation during the perinatal period. 

New Hampshire 

S.B.246 (Insurance Coverage, Provider Education, Screening, Work Force): Dubbed ‘Momnibus 2.0,’ this bill mandates depression screening during prenatal, postpartum, and during well-child visits. It also requires both Medicaid and private insurance to cover these screenings as well as home visiting services provided by qualified health professionals for up to 12 months after birth. The bill also allocates funds to establish a perinatal psychiatric provider consult line, to help healthcare providers manage maternal mental health, and for rural maternal health emergency training for EMS providers. The legislation prohibits employers from denying leave for an employee’s own medical appointments related to fertility treatment, pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care. It also mandates that employers with 20 or more employees allow up to 25 hours of unpaid leave per year for parents to attend their infant’s pediatric appointments and lowers the threshold for mandatory job restoration under the state’s paid family leave plan from 50 employees down to 10 employees. Moreover, the bill commissions a study to examine and reduce barriers to the sustainability of independent birth centers in New Hampshire and directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop a plan for a perinatal peer support certification program.

Missouri 

HB 1305 (Case Management)  Case management services for pregnant women experiencing or at risk of a maternal mental health disorder, shall be a covered service through MO HealthNet. 

New York 

A.5709 (Other): Establishes a work group within the New York State Department of Health to set reimbursement rates for doulas under the state Medicaid program and address related criteria. The work group aims to integrate doulas into the Medicaid healthcare system, focusing on historically excluded communities. It will consist of fourteen members, primarily doulas and experts in maternal health, representing diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The governor will appoint eight members, including the commissioner of the Department of Health, who will chair the group. The remaining members will be appointed based on recommendations from the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly. Members will not receive compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses incurred during their duties, ensuring participation from historically excluded communities. Appointments must be made within ninety days of the act’s effective date, and vacancies will be filled similarly. The work group will study and evaluate Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, considering factors such as evidence-based practices, successful programs in other states, criteria for reimbursement rates, the need for liability coverage, and continuing education for doulas. It will also recommend filing an amendment to the Medicaid state plan to include payment for doula services. A final report with findings and recommendations is due by December 31, 2025. The act will take effect ninety days after becoming law.

A.7273A/S.7581A (Provider Education, Funding for MMH Programs): Establishes a maternal depression awareness program to educate the public and maternal health care providers about the risks and remedies associated with maternal depression. The bill also establishes a fund to be known as the “maternal depression fund”.

A.7448/S.7012 (Insurance Coverage, Screening): The bill introduces amendments to the public health law and insurance law in New York. It mandates maternal depression screenings within the first six weeks after childbirth. Health care providers are required to facilitate these screenings, and if a patient declines, the refusal must be documented in their medical records. The amendments also ensure that these screenings are covered by insurance by including depression screenings as part of maternity care coverage. The legislation prohibits insurers from limiting direct access to maternal depression screenings and referrals, allowing patients to choose their provider for these services.

S.557/A.4117 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): Designates the month of May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month to promote public awareness and education.

A.5279 (Patient Education, Provider Education, Insurance Coverage): Expands insurance coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their children from one to two years beginning on the last day of pregnancy regardless of any change in the family’s income that would have made them ineligible for medical assistance. This bill also establishes a health expense account program for pregnant and postpartum individuals and requires information to be made available to healthcare providers including, but not limited to: 1) current guidelines for maternal depression screening; 2) tools for maternal depression screening; 3) follow-up support for patients who may require further evaluation, referral, or treatment; 4) ways to engage support for the mother; 5) the psychological needs of the postpartum individual; and 6) how to be sensitive to cultural differences that surround child-birth.  Furthermore, this bill requires the creation of pamphlets on maternal depression for patients with information including, but not limited to: 1) the signs and symptoms of maternal depression; 2) how to seek help for maternal depression; and 3) physiological changes and medical issues that may arise during the postpartum period. These pamphlets must be written in layperson’s language in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New  York  state.

Ohio

H.C.R.12 (Awareness: Maternal Mental Health): This resolution highlights the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, which can adversely affect both mothers and their children. Importantly, the bill notes that mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio and affect women across all demographics. It also emphasizes the societal impact of untreated perinatal mental health issues, which can lead to higher rates of infant and maternal mortality, family fragmentation, and other negative outcomes. Subsequently, the bill calls for a coordinated approach to address these challenges and improve maternal and birth outcomes in Ohio. The bill also encourages continued investment in support programs for pregnant and newly parenting women and promotes open communication between mothers and healthcare providers to improve mental health outcomes. It further mandates that copies be transmitted to Ohio’s news media to raise awareness.

Oklahoma 

S.B.1058 (Screening, Patient Education, Access to Care): Requires any healthcare provider, who provides services to a patient during the perinatal period, to conduct mental health screenings for mothers during healthcare visits. The State Department of Health would be required to develop a public website and mobile application providing information on programs, services, and other resources for women and infants during the perinatal period. The information and resources are required to be designed to ease access to health care, mental health services, public assistance programs, and other available public and private supports and to improve maternal health, mental health, and infant health outcomes. The bill also requires the State Department of Health to collect data on maternal health, mental health, and infant health outcomes which may include, but shall not be limited to its new website, through surveys and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The Department is mandated to compile the data into an annual report that includes incidence of perinatal depression and anxiety and categorizes data by age, ethnicity, and other relevant demographic factors. The report must be published on the department’s website and shared with key state leadership, including the Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, and Governor. 

Pennsylvania

H.B.1212 (Provider Education, Other): Amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to introduce new provisions aimed at promoting fatherhood engagement in maternal health. The bill creates a new subchapter that outlines the importance of father involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, citing benefits such as improved maternal and infant health outcomes, increased likelihood of early prenatal care, reduced risks of postpartum mood disorders, and enhanced child development. The legislation mandates the Pennsylvania Department of Health, subject to available funding, to launch a public awareness campaign within two years to educate the public on the positive impact of fatherhood engagement. Additionally, within one year, the Department must provide online guidance and materials for maternity care providers on encouraging father involvement, including training on supporting fathers, addressing cultural beliefs, and screening for paternal depression. The bill also encourages the inclusion of paternal depression screening in maternity care. Four years after the act’s effective date, the Joint State Government Commission is required to study and report on the implementation of these provisions. The act will take effect 60 days after passage. These changes align with the organization’s mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes by fostering supportive family environments and addressing behavioral health needs.

South Carolina 

H.B.4625 (Screening, Provider Education, Patient Education): This bill seeks to support families by ensuring that healthcare providers offer voluntary mental health screening to expectant parents and parents of newborns, educational materials, and referrals for treatment in a manner consistent with medical ethics, patient consent, and privacy protections.

Tennessee

S.R.0119 (Awareness: Maternal Health): Formally recognizes the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Tennessee. The resolution highlights the disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity experienced by Black women and birthing persons in the United States, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that show Black women are two to three times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes. It notes that these disparities persist across income, education, and socioeconomic status, and are exacerbated by structural racism, gender oppression, and social determinants of health. The resolution also addresses the impact of the overturn of Roe v. Wade on Black women’s reproductive rights and the existence of maternity care deserts, particularly in areas with higher Black populations, which limit access to essential maternal health services. The resolution calls for investments in community-led maternity care, continuous health insurance coverage for at least one year postpartum, and policies that promote affordable, comprehensive, and discrimination-free maternal health care. It further urges the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and other human rights-based legislation to improve maternal health outcomes. The resolution emphasizes the need for Black women and birthing persons to be active participants in policy decisions affecting their lives and outlines a broad set of social determinants such as housing, transportation, nutritious food, clean environments, economic opportunity, and a diverse perinatal workforce that must be addressed to mitigate systemic inequities. Black Maternal Health Week is presented as an opportunity to deepen national conversations, amplify community-driven solutions, and support Black-led organizations working toward birth equity and reproductive justice.

West Virginia

S.B.163 (Provider Education): seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section which aims to integrate postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorders into existing public health programs. The bill mandates the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, in collaboration with the Bureau for Medical Services, to enhance current public health initiatives by educating healthcare professionals on the early detection and timely diagnosis of these conditions. This education will utilize assessment tools and effective care planning throughout pregnancy, delivery, and up to one year postpartum, including counseling and referral services. Additionally, the legislation requires the incorporation of information about these disorders into public health outreach programs to raise awareness and understanding, particularly focusing on early signs and the importance of early detection, especially for those at higher risk. Public awareness and educational outreach efforts are to provide consistent guidance in nonclinical terms, emphasizing cultural relevance and health literacy. 

Wisconsin

A.B.773/S.B.755 (Patient Education, Access to Care, Department of Corrections):  Establishes new standards for the treatment of pregnant and postpartum individuals in correctional facilities. The bill restricts the use of physical restraints on individuals known to be pregnant or who have recently given birth, allowing restraints only under specific circumstances such as substantial flight risk or extraordinary medical or security needs, and only after an individualized assessment and with the least restrictive means. The treating medical provider must not object, and all actions must be documented in writing. Additionally, the bill mandates annual training for correctional staff on these requirements. The legislation also requires correctional facilities to offer pregnancy testing to all women under 50, inquire about recent childbirth or lactation, and provide sexually transmitted infection testing to pregnant individuals. Pregnant and postpartum individuals must be given access to continuing medical care, educational resources, doula or lactation support services (if available at no cost to the facility or paid for by the individual), mental health assessments and treatment, and evidence-based care for depression. The bill further ensures that postpartum individuals who are lactating have access to necessary supplies and opportunities to express breast milk, and that all relevant laws and policies are communicated to pregnant and postpartum individuals both orally and in writing. These provisions represent a significant modification to current correctional practices by creating statutory protections and support services for incarcerated pregnant and postpartum people, aligning with broader efforts to improve maternal health and humane treatment in correctional settings.