As parliamentarians kick off their summer break, a B.C. Conservative MLA is celebrating the passing of her bill aimed at boosting mental health supports for people who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Jody Toor’s Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act passed third reading on Monday, May 26, and received royal assent on Thursday.
It marks a rare instance of a non-government private member’s bill becoming law. The bill has seen bi-partisan support, with 91 out of 93 MLAs voting in favour of the bill in its second reading.
Toor was elected last year as the MLA for Langley Willowbrook. She told reporters earlier this week, “It’s phenomenal to see all parties come together and support families.” She says it’s an important bill for her as a mother of two who has dealt with issues around infertility.
“I know the struggles that many families face, with infertility, isolation, loss, grief.” She says it’s a particular concern in rural areas that have fewer services available.
The act gives the health minister one year to develop the mental health strategy, and requires the minister to review and update the strategy every two years.
The BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre says 8-12 per cent of pregnant women experience depression, and 10-16 per cent experience depression in the first year after giving birth.
