TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, issued the following statement today on the state Assembly’s unanimous approval of bill S-213, sponsored by Codey, which will require health care professionals to provide information and screening for postpartum depression (PPD). The bill passed the full Senate on Monday and now heads to Governor Corzine to be signed into law.
“I know, first hand, the grief caused by postpartum depression. It’s my hope that this bill will continue to shed light on the issue and ensure that postpartum depression gets treated like most other illnesses – with the attention and care it deserves.
“New motherhood can be stressful enough. No one should have to suffer from this illness in silence. By requiring health professionals to screen women for PPD, we can make sure they get the support they need to achieve a full recovery and enjoy new motherhood.
“I’d like to thank the members of the Assembly, as well as the Senate, for supporting this measure and helping us protect new mothers from an illness that is entirely treatable.”