The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on Thursday by voice vote approved a bill (HR 20), sponsored by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), that would encourage NIH to "continue aggressive work" on identifying causes and treatments for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, CQ Today reports (Webber, CQ Today, 7/19).

The bill also would provide grants through HHS for the "establishment, operation and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services" for women with the conditions and their families (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/2). According to CQ Today, the original language of the measure "directed" NIH to conduct research on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, but the subcommittee on Wednesday approved an amendment that changed "directed" to "encouraged."

The committee also voted to adopt an amendment that would urge NIH to pursue a study into the mental health consequences of pregnancies ending in miscarriage or abortion, CQ Today reports. The bill would authorize $3 million for fiscal year 2008 and "such sums as necessary" for FY 2009 and FY 2010 for the research (CQ Today, 7/19).

PBS' "Now" on Friday is scheduled to report on how groups opposed to abortion rights are pointing to the potential effects of abortion on women's mental health ("Now" Web site, 7/20). Additional details about the segment and expanded "Now" coverage are available online. A broadcast schedule also is available online. Video and a transcript of the segment will be available online after the broadcast.