House Energy And Commerce Committee Approves Bill To Study Causes, Treatment Of Postpartum Depression

The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday approved by voice vote a bill (HR 20) that would authorize $3 million in grants in fiscal year 2008 to study the causes and treatments of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, CQ HealthBeat reports (Armstrong, CQ HealthBeat, 9/27).

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), also would provide grants through HHS for the "establishment, operation and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services" for women with the conditions and their families. The measure initially would have directed NIH to conduct research on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, but a House subcommittee in July approved an amendment that changed "directed" to "encouraged." The bill would authorize "such sums as necessary" to continue the research for FY 2009 and FY 2010 (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 7/20).

According to a CDC study, about 18% of women experience depression after giving birth. No amendments were offered on the bill, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 9/27).

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