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Bill

SB 2036

Public health; requiring certain perinatal mental health screenings; requiring compilation and publication of certain data. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Goodwin

Oklahoma bill mandates perinatal mental health screenings for pregnant/postpartum individuals and requires public data reporting on outcomes and screening rates.

Second Reading referred to Health and Human Services Committee then to Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2036

Legislative bill overview

SB 2036 mandates perinatal mental health screenings for pregnant individuals and new mothers in Oklahoma, requiring healthcare providers to conduct standardized assessments during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The bill also requires the state to compile and publish data on these screenings and mental health outcomes for public reporting.

Why is this important

Perinatal mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, psychosis) affect 1 in 5 pregnant or postpartum individuals and often go undiagnosed, leading to serious health consequences for both mother and child. Systematic screening and data collection can identify at-risk individuals earlier, improve treatment access, and reduce maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes—a particularly significant issue in Oklahoma, which has higher-than-average maternal mortality rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Healthcare providers may require funding for training staff on screening protocols and mental health assessment tools, raising questions about who bears these expenses
  • Data privacy concerns: Compilation and publication of perinatal mental health data requires careful handling of sensitive health information and maternal privacy protections
  • Screening burden: Mandatory screenings could strain already-overburdened prenatal care systems and require coordination between obstetrics and behavioral health providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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