Bristol County lawmaker refiles previously rejected bill on postpartum depression days before Duxbury tragedy

A Bristol County lawmaker has made multiple attempts, one just days ago, to revive a bill she brought to Beacon Hill concerning postpartum depression.

Carole Fiola, who is a state rep for the 6th Bristol District that covers parts of Fall River and Freetown, is the lead sponsor on a bill that has been rejected multiple times and she hopes a recent tragedy will shine more light on the issue and get the legislation passed.

“Like each of you, I have been beyond heartsick over the murder of the 3 Duxbury children. It appears that the very deep and real mental illness of postpartum depression psychosis led to a loving mom committing these unfathomable acts. PPD is real and deserves much more attention. We have been working on this in the Legislature through the Ellen Story PPD Commission and the House elevated a bill of mine related to expanded screenings last session to a larger mental health bill, but it did not make it out of the conference committee.”

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Fiola states that she actually refilled the bill, HD3129, 5 days before the Duxbury tragedy took place.

“I will work again to see this bill gets through the House again with the Speaker’s and my colleague’s support and hope it will make its way out of both branches.”

The legislation would provide coverage of screenings by pediatricians for postpartum depression in Massachusetts mothers of newly born children during any visit to a pediatrician’s office taking place for up to one year from the date of the child’s birth.

If you know someone suffering please have them reach out to their medical professional or call 988, 1-800-662-help or (866)472-1897.