Time magazine has published an article about the MOTHERS Act and postpartum depression. Written by Catherine Elton and initially entitled "The Melancholy of Motherhood" (now renamed "Should All Mothers Be Screened for Postpartum Depression?"), it is full of inaccuracies and misstatements of fact. Mothers and experts alike are understandably disappointed that such an esteemed publication wouldn't do the proper research.
Time completely blew it. The editors should really be ashamed of themselves for allowing an article on a topic that they clearly knew so little about to be published:
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They state that it is highly unlikely for anyone who hasn't had previous bouts with depression or anxiety to get postpartum depression. Wrong.
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They state that the MOTHERS Act is diving psychologists. Wrong.
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They state that PPD screening (which of course is not mandated in the MOTHERS Act, but hey, why not use a red herring?!) will lead to mothers being prescribed medication unnecessarily. Huh? Wha?
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They misinterpret the findings of the one study they use in the article. Wrong again.
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They only interview a mom who is against screening. They conducted other interviews with moms who are survivors of postpartum depression and support screening, but Time didn't feel it was necessary to include their voices for balance.
More to come ...
P.S. If you haven't already written to them to express your displeasure, you should. Letters@time.com If you'd like to send me your letter I will be happy to share it on Postpartum Progress.
