Stop mandatory drugging of expectant mothers

[Bloom]

Just when you thought it was crazy enough!

Stop mandatory drugging of expectant mothers: Oppose the Mothers Act now (Natural News)

Sen. Harry Reid is pushing legislation that would mandate the screening (and possible drugging) of expectant mothers with dangerous antidepressant drugs. It's called The Mothers Act, but it's really a handout to Big Pharma that pushes more drugs onto women and infants.


Take a look at the following article and video:

Help NaturalNews oppose The Mothers Act by informing yourself on this crucial issue: http://www.naturalnews.com/024254.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUiszFyIby4

http://www.uniteforlife.org/


I feel deeply saddened when i hear news like this in a time when we all hope and pray that things are changing for the better. But i know there are many great people in this world doing wonderful work to improve the pregnancy and birth experience for women all over the world.
If this news stirs you up inside like it does me, then please support Amy Philo in her quest to help all women. Please spread the word.

Melissa

[Spidette]

Wow that video was so sad & scarry! I'm so glad she didn't act on the crazy thoughts she was having. I definately don't agree with more tests & drugs that really are not necessary.

[Cecily]

oh my......

[b'earth angel]

Quote:

"Moving forward on legislation to address postpartum depression would be a terrific Mother's Day gift for the hundreds of thousands of new mothers who are struggling with this serious condition," said Sen. Menendez. "We must attack postpartum depression on all fronts with education, screening, support, and research so that new moms can feel supported and safe rather than scared and alone. I would like to thank Representative Rush for his leadership, as well as Mary Jo Codey, Brooke Shields, Carol Blocker, Susan Dowd Stone and Sylvia Lasalandra for their commitment to beating this often debilitating condition."

http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/....cfm?id=274110&
They make it sound so nice here.
You can read the entire bill here: http://www.theorator.com/bills109/s3529.html

Quote:

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2006 Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. DURBIN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To ensure that new mothers and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services, and to increase research at the National Institutes of Health on postpartum depression. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act' or the `MOTHERS Act'.

[Bloom]

Thanks B'earth Angel for posting the other article. They make it sound like they are doing women a favour for sure. Should we be thankful they wish to 'attack' Post Partum Depression? Will they be attacking the mother at the same time?
Support and education are important. Screening will most certainly raise the percentage of diagnosed women suffering from PPD significantly. How many doctors will administer drugs at the first signs of feeling 'low', just in case and to cover their own liabilities? How arbitrary is diagnosis?
There are so many aspects involved in this story but i cannot see how administering dangerous synthetic drugs to mothers with new babies could improve their situation.
How much awareness is there about the possible causes and natural solutions or help for PPD?
Just a few thoughts.

[DoulaCBE]

There have been several discussions on this bill, and I can't fathom that one could actually read the full text of the bill and conclude that women are babies are going to be drugged.

Calls to reject this bill with no understanding of what it is saddens me deeply, even more so when it comes from doulas who are supposed to support evidence based decisions. Saying that this bill is to drug mothers and babies isn't evidence based.

I really don't have the heart to jump back into this discussion today, but if you search the forums you'll come across more information and a very through discussion.

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaCBE There have been several discussions on this bill, ...but if you search the forums you'll come across more information and a very through discussion.

I looked and can't seem to find them. Could you link a few for us?

[doulajamie]

Lori:

Here's one of the threads on this topic:

Melanie Blocker Stokes Maternal Depression Bill

Jamie

[DoulaCBE]

Felt this needed to be repeated:
PSI sets the record straight about
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
March 29, 2008
(Scroll down to see summary of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act)

It has come to the attention of PSI that misinformation about the The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, due for a mark up in the Senate H.E.L.P. committee and its lead sponsor, Postpartum Support International is being aggressively circulated on the web. This bulletin suggests protest against the bill’s adoption on false belief and implies that PSI’s interest in the legislation emanates from its funding by pharmaceuticals. These assertions indicate the bulletin’s authors have neither read nor understood the legislation nor sought verification of PSI’s funding sources which are available to the public. The following is true:

Postpartum Support International is not, nor has it ever been, funded by pharmaceuticals. Our funding comes from private donations, memberships and our own fundraising efforts. It appears our fine organization was mischaracterized without any attempt to verify this false assertion.

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act does not mandate screening, the use of medications, or any other form of involuntary or coercive engagement in unwanted services for perinatal mood disorders.

Melanie Blocker Stokes leapt to her death as a result of postpartum psychosis which was not promptly diagnosed and treated. Her mother, Carol Blocker has devoted her life to the passage of this protective legislation named for her daughter. Her death was not the result of medication misuse.

To further clarify and summarize, the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act:
Encourages HHS to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions. Also, encourages a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.

Encourages HHS to make grants available for projects for the establishment, operation and coordination of systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression.

[doulajamie]

Thanks Angie!

[doulajamie]

I wanted to clarify something that was in the previous thread on this topic but might bear repeating.

There are different levels of training and scopes of practice for mental health professionals and I wanted to share these:

Psychiatrist--an MD who specializes in mental health issues. can order lab tests, prescribe medications, etc. May work in or out of the hospital. Usually takes 6+ weeks to get an appointment. Insurance will usually consider this a specialist visit.

Psychologist--A PhD level mental health professional who provides counseling and guidance. In some states, psychologists may prescribe a limited number of medications.

Counselor (LPC=Licensed Professional Counselor)=A Masters level mental health professional who provides counseling and guidance (individual/group). May focus on a specific target population (Substance abuse, women, men, etc) or may provide general assistance (community counseling). There are many different models used: Person-centered therapy, play therapy, Gestalt therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, etc and the therapist choses based on the needs and personality of client. Some therapists use one model only, most are willing to mix and match as needed. This would most likely be covered under the "mental health benefits" portion of the insurance with a limited number of visits per year per person. Most insurance companies require a diagnosis and associated treatment plan with results to pay.

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)=a Masters level behavioral health specialist who provides many of the same services an LPC does. Major difference between LPC and LCSW is the theories utilized in the study of problems. Insurance will most likely cover this as a mental health benefit.

For most women with a problem, the first "in" to the system will either be their OB/GYN or an LPC or LCSW not a psychiatrist. Whether therapy alone works depends on many factors but I would hate to scare mothers away from a life-saving option of medication if it is what is truly necessary. I know there are horror stories about psychiatric medications, they are very powerful drugs. I also know there are life-saving stories of mothers who have utilized the medications when needed. I think it's important to keep the balance in perspective.

This bill is not about drugging mothers, it's about screening, education and research. When we resort to scare tactics and horror stories we are no better than the doctors that we complain about who base medical decisions on ancedotal evidence. We must teach mothers how to be good consumers, how to find evidence based information and how to advocate for themselves. They don't need any more fear or confusion in their lives.

OK, I'll step down off my soap box now because I could talk about this for days.....

[earthangel]

Posting new text of the Jan 2009 bill.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s324/text

The new one says this re: screening -

(2) providing education to new mothers and their families about postpartum conditions to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment. Sets forth grant requirements. Directs the Secretary to study the benefits of screening for postpartum conditions.

a) Study- The Secretary shall conduct a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum conditions.