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Following Opening of New Facility at Monmouth Medical, Downey & Houghtaling Push for Resources to address Perinatal Anxiety
Legislation would establish a public awareness campaign to bring attention to the issue.
OCEAN TWP – In celebrating the grand opening of Monmouth Medical Center's Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Center on May 4, 2017, Monmouth County Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey are calling for passage of legislation that would promote recognition and treatment of perinatal anxiety.
The bill (A-3937) would direct the Commissioner of Health, in conjunction with the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to work with health care facilities and licensed health care professionals in the State to develop policies and procedures for the treatment of perinatal anxiety. The bill would additionally require the commissioner to develop a public awareness campaign that would be designed to inform the general public about the nature and causes of perinatal anxiety and its health implications, including the symptoms of the disorder, methods of coping with the disorder, and the most effective means of treatment.
“We should not let women experience this affliction by themselves,” said Downey (D-Monmouth), “We need to create an environment in which women are comfortable discussing this very personal issue, and we need to make sure they are aware that they are not alone in this matter, and that treatment is fully available to them.”
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Perinatal anxiety is a level of unhealthy distress that may be experienced by a woman either during pregnancy, or within the first year following childbirth. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, approximately six percent of pregnant women and 10 percent of post-partum women experience perinatal anxiety, and this condition can occur on its own or in conjunction with, or as a precursor to, symptoms of depression.
“We are thrilled to see one of our local hospitals take action on this important issue, but they should not be the only one,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), “We need the State of New Jersey to begin a statewide discussion on this matter, and that should begin with the passage of this important legislation.”
The bill was introduced on June 20, 2016, and is under consideration by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
