Missouri Maternal Mental Health Gaps Persist
Despite grade improvements, screenings remain optional for many pregnant and postpartum patients across Missouri.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Mental Health
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Should states mandate mental health screenings for all pregnant and postpartum patients?
Nearly a quarter of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri from 2019 to 2023 were linked to mental health and substance use conditions. While the state's maternal mental health grade improved to a C in 2026, routine screenings for these conditions are still not mandated for patients.
Why it matters
Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of death during pregnancy and the year after birth, yet many patients fear that disclosing struggles could trigger child protective services. Addressing these barriers is critical given that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were determined to be preventable.
The Missouri Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review found that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, noting that in 38 reviewed cases, providers failed to complete essential screenings. These findings highlight significant gaps in care despite the state's recent progress.
The players
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
An organization that tracks state-level performance and maternal mental health policies across the U.S.
Maternal Health Access Project
A support program that connects healthcare providers with psychiatrists to facilitate treatment planning for patients.
The details
Providers typically use standardized questionnaires to identify patients at risk for perinatal depression and other mental health conditions. While programs like the Maternal Health Access Project allow clinicians to consult with psychiatrists on treatment plans, universal implementation remains inconsistent. This gap is compounded by the fact that nearly every county in the state is designated as a mental health professional shortage area, further complicating access to follow-up care.
Timeline
2017-2019: 17 women died from mental health and substance issues.
2019-2023: Mental health conditions contributed to 25% of maternal deaths.
2020: Study identified higher depression risk for rural women.
2023: Missouri received a D-minus from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
2026: Missouri improved its maternal mental health grade to C.
Health Landscape
The report benchmarks Missouri against national standards for maternal safety and systemic mental health support. It reflects an evolving landscape where state-level surveillance is increasingly used to identify preventable mortality drivers.
If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, speak with your healthcare provider about whether a mental health screening is part of your standard care plan. It is also worth discussing any concerns you have about privacy or barriers to mental health support during your regular checkups.
The takeaway
Mental health screenings are a vital, evidence-based tool for preventing maternal mortality, yet they are not universally applied. If you or a loved one are navigating pregnancy, do not hesitate to ask your physician for a mental health assessment as part of your routine prenatal and postpartum care.
Further reading
For more on the current state of care, visit Mental Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Beacon: Kansas.
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Should states mandate mental health screenings for all pregnant and postpartum patients?
