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.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1256

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-05-18T15:15:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1256) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating May 6, 2026, as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day". It aims to raise public awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder—that occur during pregnancy or shortly after birth (the perinatal period).

Key Provisions

The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses citing statistics, such as:

• 1 in 5 women (1 in 3 underserved women) experience these conditions annually, affecting 800,000 U.S. families.
• High rates among military servicemembers, spouses, and retirees.
• Mental health issues contribute to 22.5% of pregnancy-related deaths (many preventable), increase risks like preterm birth and infant mortality, and cost the economy $14.2 billion yearly.
• 75% of affected mothers receive no treatment, despite conditions being treatable with screening and early intervention.

The core "Resolved" section directs the House to:

1. Recognize and support the designation of National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.
2. Promote awareness of the conditions, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and impacts on high-risk groups (e.g., servicemembers, veterans, rural mothers, underserved communities).
3. Acknowledge risks of untreated conditions on mothers and children.
4. Call for more research, prevention, and treatment.
5. Encourage federal, state, local governments, and citizens to support the day through programs and raise awareness.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.

Potential Impacts

• Citizens: Increases public awareness, potentially leading to better recognition and treatment-seeking for maternal mental health issues; highlights the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for support.
• Government agencies: Encourages (but does not require) federal, state, and local programs and activities; may influence future funding or policy discussions on screening, research, and access to care.
• No direct impacts on international relations.
• Overall, symbolic effects could improve health outcomes for mothers and infants by reducing stigma and promoting early intervention.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Mothers and families, especially those in high-risk groups like medically underserved, rural, military, and veteran communities.
• Healthcare providers and systems involved in perinatal care.
• Infants and children, due to risks like preterm birth and developmental issues.
• Government entities at all levels and the public, urged to participate in awareness efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as it is purely symbolic and does not enforce actions or allocate funds.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Letlow, Kelly, Kim, and Kiggans); referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Could build momentum for related legislation on healthcare funding or research.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-05-04: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• 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. — issued 2026-05-04 — PDF (3 pages)