Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Maternal Mental Health Month in the State of New York

Senate Resolution No. 2163

BY: Senator BROUK

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 2026, as Maternal Mental  Health  Month  in  the
        State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside  to  increase  awareness  of  serious
health  conditions  that affect the lives of citizens of New York State;
and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to  proclaim  May  2026,  as  Maternal
Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  May  is  recognized  as Maternal Mental Health Month every
year; and

  WHEREAS, Each year, New York State officially  sets  aside  time  to
recognize  the  impact  of  maternal  health on mothers in our State and
beyond; and

  WHEREAS, Maternal Mental Health Month seeks to  raise  awareness  of
maternal mental health disorders, reduce maternal mortality, and support
the wellbeing of birthing people and infants; and

  WHEREAS, While one in five women experience a maternal mental health
disorder, only ten percent will receive the treatment they need; and

  WHEREAS,  Maternal Mental Health Month sheds light on the urgency of
addressing gaps in mental health support  to  ensure  the  wellbeing  of
birthing  people  during pregnancy, birth, and in the postpartum period;
and

  WHEREAS, Mental health is particularly at risk during the  perinatal
period,  and  Maternal  Mental Health Month draws attention to pregnancy
and the first year postpartum when birthing people are  more  vulnerable
to a maternal mental health disorder; and

  WHEREAS,  Maternal  mental  health  conditions  that impact birthing
people in the perinatal period include anxiety, substance use  disorder,
and depression; and

  WHEREAS,  More  than  80  percent  of  pregnancy  related deaths are
preventable, and mental health conditions are a leading  cause  of  many
pregnancy-related deaths; and

  WHEREAS,  Of  the  people  who  experienced  maternal  mental health
conditions, 75 percent are left untreated and undiagnosed; and

  WHEREAS, Maternal Mental Health Month is a reminder that health care
professionals, community members,  and  policy  makers  must  prioritize
maternal   mental   health  care  to  prevent  vulnerable  pregnant  and

postpartum people from experiencing maternal  mental  health  disorders;
and

  WHEREAS,  As this Legislative Body recognizes Maternal Mental Health
Month, awareness is raised about the preventative measures  and  quality
treatments  needed  to address maternal mental health disorders and help
improve health outcomes for birthing people and infants; now, therefore,
be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim May 2026, as Maternal
Mental Health Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and the Legislative Women's Caucus of New York State.