AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 14, 2026
David Eby Announces Perinatal Mental Health Unit Funding
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has pledged to fund a dedicated perinatal mental health unit at B.C. Women’s Hospital. The proposed unit would allow new parents experiencing mental health crises to receive care without being separated from their babies. This announcement comes amid ongoing calls from advocates and experts for improved support for postpartum mental health in the province.
Longstanding Calls for Improved Support
More than half of mothers and birthing parents in British Columbia — 56 per cent — reported facing emotional or mental health challenges during pregnancy or postpartum, according to a national 2024 Statistics Canada survey. Of those, 64 per cent indicated their difficulties began after birth.
Kiri Bird, co-founder of the non-profit In Her Circle, emphasized the importance of not forcing mothers to choose between seeking care and being with their babies. Bird noted that this dilemma can prevent people from seeking needed help, sometimes with dangerous outcomes.
The organization was created by friends and family of Jenna Dorman, who died by suicide in 2024 after experiencing severe postpartum mental health challenges. In Her Circle began actively advocating for a dedicated perinatal mental health unit at B.C. Women’s Hospital earlier this year. Bird stated that with government and philanthropic support, the unit could potentially open as soon as 2028.
Challenges in Accessing Postpartum Psychiatric Care
Clare Zeschky, executive director of the Pacific Post Partum Support Society, pointed out the lack of inpatient psychiatric facilities in B.C. where parents can stay with their babies. "It comes with a lot of stigma even still. So having your baby there really can help ease a lot of that," she said.
Broader Women’s Health Strategy Announced
The announcement of the perinatal mental health unit forms part of the B.C. NDP’s broader promise to launch a provincewide women health strategy. This strategy aims to improve access to menopause care, reduce delays in treatment and diagnostics, and strengthen community-based reproductive, sexual, and menstrual health services.
The plan includes commitments to expand PharmaCare coverage for alternative menopause treatments for women unable to use hormone therapy, as well as improved access to vaginal estrogen through pharmacists. These measures are aimed at preventing recurrent urinary tract infections and alleviating discomfort.
"They sound like technical small areas. These are of huge significance to so many women across the province," Eby said.
Political and Community Reactions
Some women’s health advocates, including the Menopause Foundation of Canada, welcomed the B.C. NDP’s commitments, noting alignment with national policy calls regarding non-hormonal menopause medications and expanded pharmacist roles.
However, opposition parties criticized the announcement as overdue, with the B.C. Green Party referencing its previous calls to update the province's women's health report—last revised in 2011. The party stated, "We’re glad the NDP is finally listening, but women shouldn’t have to wait for an election campaign to get the care they need." The B.C. Conservative Party and CentreBC also raised concerns about the timing and credibility of the pledge, while OneBC cited dissatisfaction with past delivery on such promises.
Similar efforts have been made previously, including the introduction of Bill M204, the Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act, in March 2025 by MLA Jody Toor. Despite the legislation, advocates like Zeschky and Bird believe more progress is needed.
Resources and Support for Mental Health
If you or someone you know is struggling, the following resources are available:
- Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868, or access live chat counselling online.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre on their website.
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers a guide on talking about suicide with someone you're concerned about.
Source: cbc.ca.
