Sec. 5. Findings.

158 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-405/act-120/5

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Sec. 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds the following:

(1)Maternal depression is a common complication of pregnancy. Maternal mental health

disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis.

(2)Maternal mental health conditions affect one in 5 women during or after pregnancy,

but all women are at risk of suffering from maternal mental health conditions.

(3)Untreated maternal mental health conditions significantly and negatively impact the

short-term and long-term health and well-being of affected women and their children.

(4)Untreated maternal mental health conditions cause adverse birth outcomes, impaired

maternal-infant bonding, poor infant growth, childhood emotional and behavioral problems, and significant medical and economic costs, estimated to be $22,500 per mother.

(5)Lack of understanding and social stigma of mental health conditions prevent women

and families from understanding the signs, symptoms, and risks involved with maternal mental health conditions and disproportionately affect women who lack access to social support networks.