California has been recognized as the nation's leading state for supporting maternal mental health, achieving the highest score in a recent report by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. This top ranking reflects the state's comprehensive efforts and dedicated prioritization of maternal mental healthcare, an area often overlooked.
The report evaluated California on several key criteria, including Medi-Cal's requirement for Managed Care Organizations to report prenatal and postpartum depression screenings, where the state was a top performer. California also met the required ratio of community-based organizations providing direct services for maternal mental health, extended Medi-Cal coverage to one year postpartum, and established a state-sanctioned maternal mental health task force.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state's commitment, saying, "California has led the nation in recognizing that supporting mothers’ mental health is essential to building healthier families and stronger communities." First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added, "We are proud of the Golden State for showing what’s possible when we treat maternal mental health as a priority – leading with care and compassion to uplift an issue that is deeply urgent and preventable."
In April 2026, First Partner Siebel Newsom, alongside California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos, convened leaders to discuss strengthening perinatal wellness services, which cover care during and up to two years after childbirth. Perinatal mental health affects one in three California women, highlighting the urgency of these collaborations with state agencies, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups. The convening took place at El Camino Health, one of only five perinatal inpatient psychiatric units nationwide.
California continues to advance access to perinatal mental health services, having achieved the lowest maternal mortality rate in the country. Recent legislative actions include Governor Newsom signing AB 2319 in 2024 to expand implicit bias training for healthcare providers and proclaiming Strong Start and Beyond Day in September 2024, launching an initiative to reduce maternal mortality by 50% by December 2026. The California Department of Health Care Services also launched the Birthing Care Pathway in March 2024, a comprehensive roadmap for Medi-Cal members.