H.Res. 1256

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1256 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1256

Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as ``National 
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day'' and prioritizing the goals and 
ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health 
conditions.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 4, 2026

Ms. Letlow (for herself, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mrs. Kim, and Mrs. 
Kiggans of Virginia) submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as ``National 
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day'' and prioritizing the goals and 
ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health 
conditions.

Whereas 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 3 medically underserved women, experience a 
maternal mental health condition each year, impacting an estimated 
800,000 American families;
Whereas over \1/3\ of female active duty servicemembers and military spouses, 
and almost \2/3\ of retirees, are diagnosed with a maternal mental 
health condition during the perinatal period;
Whereas maternal mental health conditions are among the most common health 
conditions during the perinatal period, including anxiety, substance use 
disorder, and depression;
Whereas 22.5 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were caused by a mental health 
condition, of which approximately \1/3\ of mothers died by suicide and 
\2/3\ by overdose;
Whereas 87 percent of pregnancy-related deaths (and 100 percent of deaths by 
suicide and overdose) are preventable;
Whereas maternal mental health conditions increase the risk of infant mortality, 
preterm birth, and low birth weight, and impede infant growth and 
development;
Whereas 75 percent of mothers with a maternal mental health condition never 
receive treatment;
Whereas untreated maternal mental health conditions cost the United States 
economy $14,200,000,000 each year due to productivity loss, preterm 
births, child behavioral and developmental costs, and other health 
costs;
Whereas maternal mental health conditions during the prenatal and perinatal 
periods are easily treatable with increased access to risk assessments, 
regular screening, and other early intervention mechanisms; and
Whereas more research and funding are needed to build upon evidence-based best 
practices for improved screening and treatment efforts, expand access to 
and quality of treatment and prevention services, and improve health 
outcomes for mothers, infants, and communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes and supports the designation of ``National 
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day'';
(2) supports the goals and ideals of a national day to 
raise public awareness and understanding around maternal mental 
health conditions, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 
and maternal mental health's disproportionate impact on high-
risk communities, including servicemembers, veterans, rural 
mothers, and other medically underserved mothers;
(3) recognizes the risks affiliated with untreated maternal 
mental health conditions and the negative health impacts on 
mothers and their children;
(4) acknowledges the need for further research on, and 
prevention and treatment of, maternal mental health conditions; 
and
(5) encourages Federal, State, and local governments and 
citizens of the United States--
(A) to support National Maternal Mental Health 
Awareness Day through programs and activities; and
(B) to promote public awareness of maternal mental 
health conditions.
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