S2039B

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Brouk to expand maternal mental health screening by allowing providers to administer depression questionnaires during well child visits, in addition to traditional postpartum settings. The bill passed on a 59-0 roll call vote. Brouk highlighted that maternal mental health conditions affect one in five birthing people, with Black women twice as likely to suffer from these conditions but half as likely to receive care. The measure is designed to improve early detection and treatment of postpartum depression, which sponsors said will benefit both mothers and infants. Sen. Ramos connected the bill to broader reproductive justice efforts, noting it complements other maternal health initiatives including a proposed monthly stipend program for low-income mothers. The legislation takes effect 180 days after becoming law.