What The Biden-Harris Administration’s New Executive Actions Mean For Maternal Mental Health

Four out of ten caregivers find themselves in high-burden sandwich situations, juggling a career, childcare, and eldercare responsibilities. In the absence of viable childcare options, mothers especially are often forced to modify their work schedules, settle for lower-quality care, or leave the workforce altogether—a decision that can jeopardize their family’s financial security.

Following the White House proclamation designating the month of April as Care Workers Recognition Month, this past Tuesday an Executive Order by President Biden was signed containing a broad set of actions aimed at improving the care economy. The Executive Order includes more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to expand access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers.

“Care makes all work possible and holds up our economy. We applaud the Biden/Harris administration's actions today. Now, we look to Congress to act as well. We cannot wait any longer for the care infrastructure our country needs,” states Executive Director and CEO of MomsRising Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner.

There are over 53 million unpaid caregivers in the United States. Almost three-quarters of workers are providing care to a child, parent, friend, adult child with a disability, or neighbor. Many people do not see themselves as caregivers, even if they provide care on a regular basis. Historically care has been seen as an individual responsibility, typically falling disproportionately on women. Organizations in the caregiving sector have applauded the initiative.

“Yesterday, we witnessed history,” said National Domestic Workers Alliance Executive Director Jenn Stowe. “We witnessed President Biden announce the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has ever taken to make care more affordable and accessible for hard-working families while supporting care workers and family caregivers. The Executive Order will make care more affordable, enhance job quality for care workers, provide greater support for family caregivers, and advance domestic workers’ rights.”

“We are heartened by the actions of Biden administration to expand and guarantee access to affordable childcare for families. Continuous investment intended to protect and provide resources for children and families, especially single mothers, will aid in transforming them from poverty to prosperity. This is a strong first step, and we look forward to seeing continued commitment and action to ensure mothers and their children no longer need to struggle,” explains Chastity Lord, President and CEO of Jeremiah Program.

But though the directives in the Executive Order will support the care economy, it doesn’t mention providing mental health support to caregivers. Millions of Americans deal with child and elder care responsibilities on top of their jobs every day. This can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of working caregivers who often do not have access to much-needed support and resources. In fact, close to one-third of caregiver employees have voluntarily left a job at some point during their careers because of their caregiving responsibilities.

For some female caregivers- especially working mothers- mental health support is arguably just as critical. Legislation continues to expand and extend telehealth services for rural health, behavioral health, and telehealth access options under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, but primarily for Medicare beneficiaries. When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expires on May 11, some mothers will once again have limited access to telehealth (as it will no longer be an excepted benefit).

Unfortunately, 75% of women who experience maternal mental health symptoms go untreated, and they impact their ability to provide care to others. Conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness (which may include psychotic symptoms), and substance use disorders.

"We will continue working to ensure Congress hears the voices of our nation's mothers and advocates. Maternal mental health cannot be ignored," states Adrienne Griffen, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.