It isn’t often that everyone in a government legislature agrees, but that’s exactly what happened in response to a B.C. private member’s bill proposing universal access to mental health care for pregnant and postpartum mothers.
Bill 204, introduced by Conservative MLA Jody Toor, would give the government a year to create a strategy that would ensure universal access to perinatal and postnatal mental health care. It is good to see this recognition of the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood, and to see an MLA taking intentional action to support women choosing this path.
Many aspects of perinatal and postnatal mental health are considered in the bill, with requirements that the minister consult with various women and organizations that support women in developing a strategy around their mental health support. The bill also includes recommendations for the province to “provide grief counselling for those who have experienced or are experiencing miscarriage, termination of a pregnancy, a stillbirth or the death of an infant.” It is good to see abortion included with the list of infant loss. This inclusion recognizes the humanity of the pre-born child as well as the mental and emotional impact abortion can have on a mother.
The bill passed second reading with unanimous support. It is the first time in more than 40 years that a private member’s bill has received unanimous support in a recorded vote. With this vote, the bill moves on to be studied at committee before being reported on and voted on for a final time to determine whether it becomes law.