New Hampshire’s new Momnibus 2.0 law expands maternal mental health care, postpartum depression screenings, and family support services after years of maternity ward closures in the Granite State.
For thousands of New Hampshire mothers facing the sleepless nights and emotional swings that come after childbirth, a new law signed this week could mean lifesaving support and peace of mind.
In a state where 11 maternity wards have closed in just two decades and postpartum depression casts a shadow over many new families, the “Momnibus 2.0” package of bipartisan bills broadens maternal mental health care, strengthens workplace protections for parents, and boosts family support programs in New Hampshire.
“Supporting our moms and families is a shared value across the state and across party lines,” said Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R-Bedford), the bill’s primary sponsor.
The Granite state faces a maternal health crisis, with high rates of postpartum depression, rising maternal mortality, and shrinking access to care.
The new law requires Medicaid and private insurers to cover depression screenings for mothers at their child’s monthly doctor visit for up to six months.
It also allocates state funding for:
- A new perinatal psychiatric consult hotline
- Enhanced training for rural EMS providers on labor and delivery emergencies
- Home visiting services coverage for pregnant and postpartum women
- Protections for employees to attend postpartum and pediatric medical appointments without fear of job loss
Gov. Kelly Ayotte highlighted Momnibus 2.0 in the broader context of the state budget, calling it “a victory for health care advocates” and a key step toward maternal wellness.
Health care providers, including maternal mental health advocate Heather Martin of Dartmouth Health—whose sister died by postpartum suicide—emphasized the importance of early screenings.
“By meeting moms where they already are, we can catch maternal mental health struggles early and connect them with help before a crisis,” Martin said.
With the law now in effect, New Hampshire joins a growing number of states prioritizing maternal mental health and family support.
“When New Hampshire moms thrive and New Hampshire babies thrive, then New Hampshire families and the community that they live in thrive,” said Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D-Lebanon).
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