Maternal mental health scores: Which states get a "D"
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The U.S. earned a C overall on maternal mental health care in 2026 — up from a C- last year — according to a new report from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
Why it matters: About one in five U.S. moms experience maternity-related mental health conditions like postpartum depression, and most don't get the treatment they need.
By the numbers: The Policy Center, in collaboration with George Washington University, didn't give out any As in their fourth annual report card release.
- 10 states earned a B — six for the first time: D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts and New York.
- 26 states earned a C.
- Two states, Mississippi and Alabama, moved up from F to D.
Stunning stat: The U.S. earned an F on a new Policy Center measure that scored states on parental support — like paid leave and affordable, accessible child care — on a 5-star scale.
- 31 states earned less than 1 star.
- 14 states earned 2 or more stars.
- Maine led the country with 3.5 stars.
How it works: States were scored across 27 measures in four domains: screening and detection, providers and treatment, policy and payment, and the new parental support category.
The big picture: Untreated maternal mental health disorders are estimated to cost the U.S. $14.2 billion annually, according to the Policy Center.
The bottom line: "While we applaud the progress states are making, the U.S. is providing mediocre maternal mental health care at best," said Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center, which put together a road map to help states close gaps in maternal mental health.
Go deeper: Here's how states scored on each measure.
