Legislation co-sponsored by Reps. Tarah Toohil, R-116, Butler Twp., and Mike Schlossberg, D-132, Lehigh County, that would offer state assistance to Pennsylvania mothers struggling with postpartum depression and their babies was unanimously approved Tuesday by the House Children and Youth Committee. House Bill 200 now moves to the full House for consideration. Under the proposal, mothers at high risk for postpartum depression and their infants who are referred by a physician, health care provider or parent would be automatically eligible for assessment and tracking by Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention programs under the Early Intervention Services System Act. These programs exist in all 67 counties. “There is a lot of stigma attached to postpartum depression. People don’t talk about it. They don’t reach out for help,” Toohil told committee members, according to a news release. “Many times, a doctor will see that a mother is dealing with postpartum depression and all they can do is refer that mom for services, but in many cases she will not seek treatment.” Committee Chairman Kathy Watson, R-144, Bucks County, pointed out that more is understood about the condition than when the law was passed in 1990. “Providing early intervention services to these infants and new mothers helps ensure that both baby and mom are healthy and thriving,” said Watson. “We have seen cases of serious neglect traced back to postpartum depression.” A companion bill in the Senate was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in April.