The expert resource for women, families and healthcare providers offering the information you need to combat the effects of pregnancy related mood disorders
Brooke Shields Supports The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act!
Former N.J. First Lady Mary Jo Codey, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Brooke Shields, Sylvia Lasalandra, Susan Dowd Stone
Nearly two years ago, on May 11th, 2007, at the invitation of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, actress and author Brooke Shields came to Washington DC to share her postpartum experience and urge Congress to pass The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. Her compelling testimony further awakened our nation to the reality of pregnancy related mood disorders and the need for action NOW.
She was joined that day by U. S. Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Bobby L. Rush, Former NJ First Lady Mary Jo Codey, Carol Blocker - Melanie Blocker Stokes mother - Sylvia Lasalandra and myself in a press conference encouraging every stakeholder - every mother, father, sister, friend, family member, loved one, Congressman, Representative, Senator and health care professional to support this life saving legislation.
After reaching out to Brooke's camp to inform her of the bill's progress, Ms. Shields still feels strongly and supports the passage of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. Here is a quote from Ms. Shields:
"I wish I had known, (been) informed in some way, but nobody said anything to me about postpartum depression. The knowledge of PPD is a tool that I believe all women deserve, and this bill represents that tool and it's an easy gift to give women everywhere. I urge Congress to pay attention and finally listen and not let postpartum depression go undiagnosed and untreated. There's research that needs to be done. Postpartum depression is a disease that, like any other disease, we would want to inform people of and offer treatment and research for. Now is the time to pass this bill."- Brooke Shields On March 30, 2009, thanks to the ceaseless efforts of Congressman Bobbly L. Rush, the MBSMA passed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support out of the House of Representatives and now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate H.E.L.P. committee, chaired by Senator Edward M. Kennedy. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, the bill's senate sponsor, has pledged to persevere until the bill is passed.
Ms. Shields continues to support this legislation and hopes you will add your voice to hers and the thousands of mothers, infants, families, advocates and healthcare providers who need this legislation to pass THIS YEAR. Please join our state by state listing of supporters of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act which will be delivered to every U.S. Senator the week of Mothers Day by sending an email with your NAME, STATE, ANY CREDENTIALS or AFFILATIONS.
You can learn about the legislation's history and watch Brook'e entire speech by clicking here.
