NEWS: ‘Sophie’s Law’ Targets Routine Pregnancy Mental Health Checks

New Bill pushes for routine mental health checks in pregnancy as midwives call for end to postcode lottery

As reported by National Health Executive, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has praised a new Parliamentary Bill that could make mental health checks a standard part of antenatal care for every woman in England.

Introduced on Wednesday 22 October by MP Laura Kyrke-Smith, the Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill, known as Sophie’s Law, proposes that all pregnant women receive a structured, compassionate assessment of their mental wellbeing, no matter where they live.

At present, access to perinatal mental health support varies widely across the country. The RCM says this “postcode lottery” leaves too many women without the early help that could prevent serious distress during and after pregnancy.

The Bill arrives shortly after the RCM launched its Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap on World Mental Health Day (10 October). The roadmap lays out a vision for consistent, joined-up care and urges the NHS to give equal priority to mothers’ mental and physical health.

Among its key recommendations are:

• Expanding the number of specialist midwives trained in perinatal mental health, ensuring every woman can access expert support.
• Regular trauma-awareness training for all midwives to guarantee care that is sensitive and compassionate.
• Greater leadership roles for midwives within the NHS to embed mental health in maternity priorities.
• Culturally sensitive, integrated services that reflect the needs of all communities.

While Sophie’s Law is unlikely to pass under the Ten-Minute Rule procedure, the RCM believes it marks a vital step in raising awareness and gathering political momentum for future legislation to improve maternal mental health care.