MMA Advocates for Maternal Mental Health Legislation

March 6, 2025

A bill to improve maternal mental health services by requiring health plans to reimburse for services to provide comprehensive mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals was heard in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee this week.  

The legislation, (SF 1085 - Mann, DFL – Edina) ensures that health plans must include maternal mental health programs in their coverage. This will provide physicians and other healthcare providers with the necessary resources and referrals to ensure timely and effective care. The MMA shared a letter of support for the bill. 

“Maternal mental health screenings are crucial because they allow for the early identification and intervention of potential mental health issues in pregnant and postpartum women,” the MMA said in its letter. “When it comes to the pre- and postpartum period, a mental health issue that is left undiagnosed and/or untreated can have long-term health effects on the child’s development, as well as on the health of the mother. The physical and mental well-being of the mother and child are of the utmost importance, and routine maternal mental health screenings can positively contribute to optimal health for both.” 

Maternal mental health disorders are the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women, with suicide and overdose as the primary drivers. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with the economic burden of untreated maternal mental health conditions reaching $14 billion, or approximately $31,800 per mother-child pair receiving care. An estimated 75% of women impacted by a maternal mental health disorder do not receive the treatment they need. Furthermore, maternal mental health diagnosis afflicts women in all demographics and locations in Minnesota, with Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and multi-race communities at a higher risk for developing a maternal mental health crisis. 

The MMA also cited research published in the medical journal The Lancet, which found that untreated maternal mental health disorders have been shown to be associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as stillbirth and preterm birth, and detrimental effects on infant development, including cognitive, behavioral, and psychomotor issues, which in turn increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders later in life.