New Jersey law for postpartum depression screening

A bill (S 213) signed into law in April by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) that requires health care providers to screen women who recently have given birth for postpartum depression and teach women and their families about the condition took effect Tuesday, the Bergen Record reports.

The law, which provides $4.5 million in funding for education and screening, also requires providers to ask pregnant women about their history of depression or postpartum depression before they give birth.

In addition, the state Department of Health and Senior Services has created a hotline and produced a brochure, called "Speak Up When You're Down," and a five-minute video for all interactive televisions in patient rooms.

"Women should have a minimum of three if not four opportunities for intervention," Michael Petriella, vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center, said.

According to the Record, about 80% of women experience some form of "milder depression" during the first two weeks following delivery, and about 15% experience postpartum depression, which is caused by hormonal imbalances and stress (Layton, Bergen Record, 10/11).