DE SCR44

Designates May 5, 2023, as "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day" in Delaware

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMDs) affect 20% of women and are the most common complication of childbirth, yet are often undiagnosed or untreated

A five-year analysis by the Delaware Death Review Commission found that 46% of maternal deaths in Delaware had a contributing mental health condition

Black women, Indigenous women, and Latinas face greater risk of PMDs than White women, with barriers including lack of insurance, cultural stigma, and lack of culturally appropriate care

Calls on Delaware to prioritize parental health by promoting PMD awareness, expanding mental health provider availability, and addressing social, economic, and racial barriers to treatment