Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill

The Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill requires NHS services to provide mandatory mental health screening and assessments for pregnant women and new mothers (typically within the first year after birth). The bill aims to identify conditions like depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder earlier, ensuring women receive timely treatment. It establishes standardised assessment procedures across all NHS trusts and maternity services to reduce variation in care quality and outcomes for mothers and babies.