National support for depression before and after childbirth passes ``Maternal and Child Health Act'' = South Korea

The so-called ``National Support Act for Prenatal and Postnatal Depression'' and amendments to the Maternal and Child Health Act, sponsored by Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of South Korea's ruling party ``People's Power,'' were passed at a plenary session of the National Assembly on the 8th.
On this day, the Diet announced in its plenary session that the national and local governments will be able to carry out projects such as various tests, consultations, and education to help pregnant women overcome mental difficulties such as prenatal and postnatal depression.
A bill was passed to revise the Maternal and Child Health Act, which includes provisions to improve the health of mothers and children. Along with Rep. Bae Hyun-jin, Democratic Party members Park Kwang-eon, Jung Chun-sook, Kim Seung-nam, and In Jae-gu
It was merged with the bill sponsored by Representatives Ng and Kim YongJi-yu, and passed as an alternative bill by the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee. The proposed amendment includes changes to the current
The law also includes the basis for expanding the infertility counseling center into an infertility/pregnancy psychology counseling center. Lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin said, ``South Korea had a total birth rate of 0.78 last year, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
``To protect the mental health of mothers and fathers, who have been in the blind spot of support, the nation will work together to provide support.''
Prior to this, Councilor Bae consulted infertility and depression in Songpa district, following Seoul City's Gangbuk district in July.
A new center has been invited to provide not only infertility counseling but also counseling and support for prenatal and post-natal depression. In November 2021, we held a discussion session on policy support for antenatal and postnatal depression.