Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Authors Trailblazing Bill to Strengthen Perinatal Mental Health Policies
Senator Smallwood-Cuevas has joined the California Coalition for Perinatal Mental Health and Justice in announcing the introduction of her bill SB 626 – critical legislation aimed at addressing the urgent needs of birthing people across California. The bill seeks to transform the perinatal mental health care system around detection, treatment and access to care.
"California’s mothers and birthing people deserve better care, especially when it comes to their mental health. Our state has long struggled with addressing the mental health challenges that affect one in five new parents, and that’s especially true for Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities," said Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas. "This bill will ensure that new parents receive the mental health care they need and deserve, and it is long overdue. It is an honor to champion this legislation, which is rooted in justice, equity, and care for all families in California. I am committed to making sure that no one falls through the cracks again."
The legislation comes at a pivotal moment, as perinatal mental health remains an underfunded and understudied issue. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, and perinatal depression is the leading cause, with only 15% receiving treatment. This crisis disproportionately impacts Black women, people of color, low-income and marginalized families due to barriers accessing culturally competent care, and costs California $2.4 billion annually. Early screening and treatment are key to preventing these challenges, along with public awareness and education.
The California Surgeon General’s report on maternal mortality and U.S. Surgeon General’s report on parental mental health and well-being underscore the devastating need for systemic change, especially among Black women who are dying at three times the rate of Caucasian women.
“For far too long, Black mothers have faced alarming disparities in perinatal mental health care —experiencing higher rates of perinatal mood disorders while being the least likely to receive adequate support. This bill is a historic and necessary step toward closing those gaps, ensuring that all parents—especially those most impacted by systemic barriers—have access to culturally responsive, timely mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum,” said Gabrielle Brown, a representative of the California Coalition for Perinatal Mental Health and Justice. “By addressing long standing inequities in our healthcare system, we are prioritizing the well-being of Black mothers and birthing people and affirming that their mental health matters. We are honored to champion this legislation alongside Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, whose unwavering leadership in maternal health, racial justice, and women’s rights—along with her partnership with the Black Women for Wellness Action Project—brings the urgency and accountability needed to drive lasting change.”
The proposal includes the following key provisions:
- Mandatory Screening and Treatment: Requires all perinatal providers to screen, diagnose and treat maternal mental health conditions in accordance with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines.
- Insurance Coverage: Mandates that health plans cover mental health services during the perinatal period, including case management, care coordination, at least one FDA-approved medication, and one digital therapeutic for maternal mental health.
- Accountability and Reporting: Requires health insurers and service plans to report annually on the utilization and outcomes of maternal mental health services and to post this information publicly on their websites.
Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a worker rights and racial equity advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.
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