Increasing Access to U.S. Maternal Mental Health Care

Abstract

The United States has a maternal mortality crisis, and mental health is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders disproportionately impact people of low socioeconomic status and medically underserved populations. Current government-supported maternal health structures are underfunded, underutilized, and confusing to navigate. Moreover, gaps in the joint federal-state health insurance program, Medicaid, which covers nearly half of birthing people, leave many under- or uninsured. To address the need for robust maternal mental health care, we propose the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) create a funding source for community-owned maternal mental health centers. These centers would provide mental health services that address immediate needs, underlying causes, and barriers to access. Implementing this program would make significant strides to reduce maternal mortality.