A flurry of highly-publicized deaths attributed to postpartum depression and the more severe postpartum psychosis put the debilitating illness suffered by women shortly after giving birth on the front pages of newspapers and as lead stories on television news.

The most covered incident was the sad story of Andrea P. Yates, a white Houston woman who drowned all five of her children ranging from ages six months to seven years.

A few days before the Yates incident, there was the case of Melanie Stokes, a Black Chicago woman who reportedly leaped to her death from a hotel window.

In memory of all women who have met a tragic end as a result of postpartum depression, but in the name of the Chicago woman, Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) has introduced the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act of 2001.

Rep. Rush�s bill is timely, in that many people have never heard of the condition, and among those who have, it isn�t something talked about, nor, evidently, was there enough research going on to find new and improved ways of diagnosing and treating the illness.

The mildest case of postpartum is commonly called "baby blues," which affects about six of 10 women. It is a mild mood change that usually begins within three to four days after delivery and lasts no more than several weeks. Its symptoms include unprovoked weeping; irritability, anger, hostility and headaches.

This mild form of postpartum usually resolves without medication.

A more severe form of the illness is postpartum depression (PPD), which affects 8-15 percent of all new mothers. Symptoms include crying spells; sadness; feelings of guilt; loss of appetite; inability to sleep; poor concentration and feelings of inadequacy to care for the baby.

It is important that PPD sufferers see a physician immediately and follow the doctor�s instructions, and probably will need medication.

The most severe form of the illness is postpartum psychosis, a condition that can include hallucinations, delusions and suicidal thoughts. It is imperative that such a person receive immediate professional care.

Rep. Rush�s bill will require the director of the National Institutes of Health and the director of the National Institute of Mental Health to expand and intensify research on postpartum depression. The research will focus on the causes of postpartum and on the development of improved diagnostic techniques.

Rep. Rush�s bill also establishes grants for the delivery of essential services to women with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and their families. Such services include case management, screening, treatment and support services.

State and local governments, public and non-profit hospitals and community based organizations would be eligible for the grants.

The bill already has bipartisan support, with 40 congressmen signing on as original co-sponsors. Also, mothers-to-be and their spouses should learn more about the condition prior to the birth, in order to be prepared to notice the warning signs and what to do if they occur.

"I�m determined not to have Melanie and other women, suffer silently and die in vain. It is my hope that through this legislation, we can ensure that the birth of a child is a wonderful time for a new mother and her family. Postpartum depression must not steal the joy of a new life from America�s families!" Rep. Rush declared upon announcing his legislation.

To that we say, Amen!