Recognize the importance of perinatal mental health

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. C. R. No. 12

2025-2026

Representatives
Somani, Ray

Cosponsors:
Representatives Lawson-Rowe, Synenberg, Piccolantonio, Sweeney,
Brent, Brennan, White, E., Mohamed, Rader, Robb Blasdel, McNally,
Hall, D.

A
c o n c u r r e n t R E S O L U T I O N

Recognizing
the importance of perinatal mental health.

BE
IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE
SENATE CONCURRING):

WHEREAS,
Depression and other mental health conditions are the most common
complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period;
and

WHEREAS,
The perinatal period, from pregnancy through the first year
postpartum, is a transitional period that can result in anxiety and
stress; and

WHEREAS,
Perinatal stress, anxiety, and depression can adversely impact the
physical and psychological health of women and their children; and

WHEREAS,
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
up to 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance during
the postpartum period; and

WHEREAS,
One in five mothers develop more significant symptoms of depression
or anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder,
and post-traumatic stress disorder; and

WHEREAS,
According to the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum psychosis affects
between one and two per 1000 mothers, often develops rapidly, and may
place the life of the mother and infant in danger related to its
symptoms, which may include delusions, hallucinations, severe mood
symptoms, and cognitive symptoms; and

WHEREAS,
According to the Ohio Department of Health's Pregnancy-Associated
Mortality Review Program, mental health conditions are currently the
leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio; and

WHEREAS,
Mental health conditions affect mothers and mothers-to-be of all
races, ages, and socioeconomic levels; and

WHEREAS,
Pregnant and parenting women

with
untreated mental health issues experience higher rates of infant and
maternal mortality, family fragmentation, lack of prenatal care, low
social support, financial and housing instability, co-occurring
health complications, unmanageable job strain, difficulty meeting
maternal role expectations, and childhood or perinatal trauma,
including domestic and sexual abuse; and

WHEREAS,
The societal impact of perinatal mental health conditions is
pervasive, with far-reaching consequences on early childhood
development, pediatric mental health, and general family well-being;
and

WHEREAS,
Undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mental health conditions are a
silent health crisis in the United States, deserving recognition and
action to save lives and improve the health and well-being of
America's mothers, babies, fathers, families, and the community; now
therefore be it

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, recognize the importance of perinatal mental health and are
supportive of a coordinated approach to address pressing challenges
and drive change to support improved maternal and birth outcomes in
Ohio; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, encourage Ohio's continued investment in programs that provide
support to pregnant women and newly parenting mothers; and be it
further

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, encourage communication with moms to speak with their health
care providers and peers about their experiences and drive better
mental health outcomes; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly
authenticated copies of this resolution to the news media of Ohio.