TULSA, Okla. — A bill sent to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk could help women in the state get help when dealing with postpartum depression.
Senate Bill 419, co-sponsored by State Rep. Nicole Miller, requires Oklahoma doctors to ask questions and screen women for postpartum anxiety and depression during and after pregnancy.
Postpartum depression affects as many as one in eight women nationwide, and one in seven women in Oklahoma.
Emily Clark is a constituent who inspired the legislation in the Senate, and she says it’s a good start but the state should do more.
Clark carried a high-risk pregnancy and delivered twin daughters seven years ago.
Eleven days after delivery, she says she started having suicidal thoughts and ended up checking herself into an inpatient facility.