The Problem
Mental health issues, particularly those impacting maternal well-being, constitute a profound and multifaceted crisis with far-reaching societal implications. They are the leading causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Even worse, maternal mortality rates have reached their highest levels since 1965 and continue to rise annually, with 32.9 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies recorded in 2021.
Mothers face a substantial financial burden grappling with Postpartum Depression (PPD). They face direct medical costs exceeding $18,3002, related to inpatient psychiatric and medical hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, physician office consultations, and prescription medications. Moreover, these costs do not account the significant losses in employee productivity, equating to an estimated $6,200 per woman for employers.
The dismal state of maternal mental health is underscored by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s comprehensive state-by-state evaluation, with the highest grade, a B-, only being given to one state and with dozens receiving Ds and Fs. The United States is confronting a crisis in maternal mental health. This requires a comprehensive response that includes clinically validated solutions grounded in evidence-based medicine along with a compelling return on investment. In this white paper, we explore the root causes, current state, and required solutions related to address this critical issue.