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Bill

Bill

ACR 78

Relative to Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 71 co-sponsors

California designates a month for maternal mental health awareness to increase recognition and discussion of mental health conditions affecting mothers, though the measure creates no new funding or services.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 102, Statutes of 2025.
#maternalmentalhealthawarenessmonth
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Bill Summary · ACR 78

Legislative bill overview

ACR 78 designates a specific month in California as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month to increase public recognition and discussion of mental health issues affecting mothers. The bill has passed both chambers unanimously and been chaptered into law as of June 2025.

Why is this important

Maternal mental health conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety affect a significant percentage of new mothers but remain underdiagnosed and undertreated due to stigma and lack of awareness. Designating an awareness month can help normalize conversations about these conditions, encourage screening and treatment-seeking, and potentially direct resources toward maternal mental health programs and research.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited practical impact: Awareness months are symbolic gestures that create no mandatory funding, services, or policy changes, so critics may argue this doesn't address the actual healthcare gaps in maternal mental health treatment
  • Resource allocation questions: Some may debate whether symbolic recognition is sufficient or if legislative effort should prioritize concrete funding and clinical interventions instead
  • Vague implementation: The bill doesn't specify which month is designated or what concrete activities state agencies must undertake during the awareness month, limiting its enforceability and measurable outcomes

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

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