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Perinatal Mental Health Assessments 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
Lead MP
Laura Kyrke-Smith
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Laura Kyrke-Smith raised concerns about perinatal mental health assessments 2025-10-22 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves for leave to bring in a Bill requiring mental health assessments in NHS antenatal care. Cites suicide as the leading cause of death for women six weeks to one year after giving birth and discusses the prevalence of perinatal mental illness, estimating it costs over £8 billion annually. Emphasises the current variability and inequalities in access to support services and proposes a framework for structured assessments, training for professionals, clear referral pathways, and accountability measures.
Aylesbury
Proposes that every pregnant woman receives a structured mental health assessment using validated tools. Calls for national training standards and clinical supervision to ensure professionals can identify risks and respond appropriately, with clear referral pathways into specialist services. Highlights the importance of accountability through data capture and oversight by the Care Quality Commission.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.