HOUSE MEMORIAL 56
57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025
INTRODUCED BY
Tara L. Lujan and Cynthia Borrego and E. Diane Torres-Velásquez and Michelle Paulene Abeyta and Linda Serrato
A MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND OBSERVING MAY AS "NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH" IN NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, over twenty-two thousand babies are born in New Mexico each year, and the maternal health, including mental health, of women before, during and after pregnancy is an issue of great concern to women, their families and the state; and
WHEREAS, between ten and twenty percent of new and expectant mothers are affected by prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders, such as anxiety and psychosis, and may experience associated symptoms that are often overlooked and heavily stigmatized, causing new and expectant mothers suffering from prenatal and perinatal depression and mood disorders to often feel confused, ashamed and isolated; and
WHEREAS, many at-risk women may not seek help because they are not informed about prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders as being part of prenatal and perinatal health care due to a lack of knowledge, awareness and use of screening and assessment tools by health care providers and a lack of awareness of available medical treatments and community support services; and
WHEREAS, heightened awareness and increased education with regard to the incidence of prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders are critical; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and mood disorders affect all categories of women and teenage girls regardless of age, race or income level; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders can have a profound impact on families and significantly contribute to adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in the children of affected women; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders are highly treatable with therapeutic interventions, such as medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups and community support services, including crisis hotlines;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to encourage collaboration with local, state and national coalitions, organizations and agencies that are informed on and devoted to the field of maternal health care to facilitate increased awareness and education about prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders; explore and encourage the use of prenatal screening tools; and improve the availability of and access to effective treatment, prevention and support services to promote maternal and infant mental health care throughout New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that national maternal mental health awareness month be observed in May in New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health.
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