Neglect of Access to Maternal Mental Health Care Worsens as Abortion Restrictions Increase in U.S. States
A recent report by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has shed light on a concerning lack of access to maternal mental health care in nearly every state across the United States. The report, which graded each state on various measures of maternal mental health risk policies and access to care, revealed that only 10 states received grades higher than a D or F.
Experts are warning that the situation may worsen as more states severely restrict or ban abortion. Alarmingly, the report found that no state that has banned or restricted abortion received a grade higher than a D+. This is particularly concerning, as the consequences of abortion restrictions on maternal mental health are severe, as stated by providers who have witnessed the impact on their patients.
The report also highlighted the lack of specialized care for pregnant and postpartum women in most states. Shockingly, only five states require maternal mental health screenings during prenatal and postpartum visits. This lack of access to care is further exacerbated in states that have banned or severely restricted abortion, such as Alabama and Mississippi, which already had low numbers of certified perinatal mental health providers relative to the expected number of births.
Approximately 20% of US mothers, or roughly 600,000 individuals, may experience mental health challenges every year, yet access to care remains limited. Black women are disproportionately affected by maternal mental health conditions, yet they are half as likely as white women to receive treatment. Abortion bans have further worsened the situation, hindering open communication between patients and providers and exacerbating the limited access to reproductive and mental health care.
Research has shown that mental health suffers when individuals are denied abortion and forced to carry unwanted pregnancies, increasing the risk of perinatal mental health conditions. Seeking abortion, especially in states with restrictions, is accompanied by significant barriers, both practical and financial, resulting in high levels of anxiety.
The lack of access to maternal mental health care professionals is a nationwide issue, with most states having a low number of certified providers. Additionally, there is a lack of data on how many women receive maternal mental health screening and diagnosis in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over half of pregnant women with depression go untreated.
Providers feel hindered in their ability to provide high-quality care due to abortion restrictions, leading to concerns about patients’ health and well-being. Even in states with access to abortions, providers are experiencing increased patient loads, misinformation, and mistrust, creating additional barriers to care.
It is clear that the neglect of access to maternal mental health care is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and policy changes. The well-being of mothers and babies across the country is at stake, and it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure that all women have access to the mental health care they need during and after pregnancy.
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