I'm calling for action on behalf of postpartum moms everywhere because they are being failed. A mother shouldn't have to reach a breaking point or become a headline for her struggles to matter. I’m calling for standardized postpartum mental-health screenings throughout the first year after childbirth, not just one questionnaire at a six-week appointment. I’m proposing screenings during pregnancy, within the first few weeks after birth, at the postpartum visit, and again throughout the first year — with additional screening whenever a mother, family member, or healthcare provider expresses concern.

But screening alone isn’t enough. If a mother screens positive or says she isn’t okay, there needs to be a response. She deserves timely support, appropriate referrals, treatment options, follow-up, and someone who actually listens.Postpartum mental health is not a six-week issue. It doesn’t have an expiration date.

Every time a mother says she's overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling, it should be enough to trigger immediate concern and support. Instead, these cries are often downplayed or brushed aside. This leaves mothers feeling isolated, desperately trying to cope with an insanely difficult period without the support they deserve. Consistent screenings would ensure these needs are no longer ignored, providing a systematic approach to delivering help before it's too late.

Postpartum support is not just a personal issue; it's a societal one. When mothers are neglected, families suffer, yet the conversation around postpartum mental health remains inadequate. Mandating screenings would help identify those at risk and enable timely intervention. It shouldn’t take a complete breakdown, or something terrible happening, for us to finally take action. Preventive care is crucial, and we need to implement it now.

The fact that postpartum mothers are not a priority in their most vulnerable state doesn’t make any sense. By advocating for mandatory screenings, we can assure mothers that their mental health matters. It’s time for us to stand up and say that struggling alone is not an option. We can do better. We must do better.

Join me in urging policymakers to make postpartum mental health screenings mandatory. Let's ensure every new mother receives the attention and support she needs. Please sign this petition and help us make this essential change a reality. Together, we can create a strong support system for all postpartum moms across the nation.