Behavioral health-related issues—especially suicide and drug overdoses—have tragically become the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, now accounting for over 22% of these losses. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need to improve Maternal Mental Health Care Access, as far too many mothers are suffering in silence, unable to get the mental health and substance use care they desperately need.
To address this urgent public health crisis, lawmakers have introduced the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at expanding Maternal Mental Health Care Access during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. If passed, the MAMA Act would require both commercial and government insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services at no cost to beneficiaries during this critical window.
Removing Financial Barriers to Care
“Making substance use treatment and mental care more accessible and affordable is critical to tackling the maternal health crisis and protecting the health of mothers and their children,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin), a vocal supporter of the bill. “With this legislation, we can help remove cost as a barrier that prevents too many mothers from seeking the care and treatment they need.”
Currently, far too many women are slipping through the cracks of our healthcare system. Although one in eight women who recently gave birth report symptoms of postpartum depression, only around 15% of those diagnosed actually receive treatment. And the problem is even more severe for women of color, who are significantly less likely to initiate postpartum mental health care compared to white women. These disparities underscore the urgent need for equitable Maternal Mental Health Care Access across all communities.
What the MAMA Act Would Change
The MAMA Act would change the landscape by mandating that plans offering mental health or substance use care eliminate cost-sharing requirements—from the moment a woman begins regular pregnancy care until one year after her pregnancy ends. The bill also introduces a continuity of care provision, ensuring that a change in a patient’s insurance network status doesn’t interrupt access to mental health services.
In recent years, substance use has become a rising concern among pregnant and postpartum individuals. Between 2017 and 2020, overdose mortality among this population increased by an alarming 81%. Despite this trend, mental health and substance use care during the perinatal period remain largely inaccessible for many. The MAMA Act directly targets these gaps, offering a lifeline to women navigating mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.
Federal and Private Sector Support
The need for comprehensive Maternal Mental Health Care Access is also gaining traction at the federal level. The Biden-Harris administration has recognized maternal mental health as a national priority. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a national strategy calling maternal mental health and substance use a public health crisis. The strategy includes recommendations from the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, which advocates for integrating mental health and substance use services into medical, community, and social systems of care.
Beyond government action, the private sector is also responding. Behavioral health companies and digital health innovators are investing in solutions that expand access to care for mothers. In 2023, Talkspace and LifeStance both partnered with menopause and perinatal care platforms to enhance mental health services. Meanwhile, Curio Digital—an FDA-cleared digital therapeutic provider for postpartum depression—has partnered with the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund to bring care to more families.
Investing in Long-Term Maternal Wellness
Similarly, FamilyWell Health, a company working to integrate behavioral health into OB/GYN practices, raised $4.3 million in seed funding earlier this year. These partnerships reflect a growing recognition that Maternal Mental Health Care Access isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for maternal and infant well-being.
Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, puts it plainly: “It’s time to recognize that maternal mental health support is not a luxury, but an essential human right. We also know that going without mental health care exacerbates existing inequities among women with the lowest incomes and women of color.”
The MAMA Act represents a crucial step toward a future where no woman is denied care because of cost, coverage gaps, or systemic barriers. By increasing Maternal Mental Health Care Access, it helps create a healthcare system where pregnancy doesn’t come with the risk of preventable behavioral health tragedy.
Looking Ahead
As the legislation moves forward, policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates must continue to prioritize maternal mental health. The lives of mothers—and the futures of their children—depend on it. Ensuring consistent, affordable, and stigma-free Maternal Mental Health Care Access should be a national imperative, not a policy debate.
