Missouri doesn’t require asking pregnant patients about their mental health. New moms keep dying

By: Meg Cunningham

Outlets: Missouri Independent

Published: September 30, 2026

Words: 1,487

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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When a doctor starts asking a new mother about feelings of depression, therapist Haley Walker said the patient may be thinking about more than her actual symptoms.

“[It] can feel scary as a new mom,” Walker said. “You’re like, ‘Is this person going to try and take my baby if I’m honest?’”

Walker specializes in mental health during pregnancy and postpartum at her private practice in Mexico, Missouri, about 40 miles northeast of Columbia. She …

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