Read the entire memoir here: www.freedom-center.org/pdf/Denizen-of-the-Back-Ward.doc

On the morning of Wednesday May 27, 2009 my husband and I went to the Peach State Center for what I believed was a couples counseling session. My husband had set the 8 AM appointment, but upon checking in, the receptionist directed her questions about the appointment at me. Curious as to the reason for this focus, I asked why this was, but got no logical answer. Dr. Mahmud then appeared at the door leading to the exam rooms and conducted my husband and I to her office. Once seated, Dr. Mahmud started what I knew was a psychiatric assessment, i.e., was I having thoughts of suicide, rushing thoughts, etc. I again asked why the questions were directed at me and Dr. Mahmud told me that my husband believed that I needed to be on medication. The reason given was that I supposedly threatened to jump over a bannister two weeks prior. Nothing could have been further from the truth, and I felt betrayed by my husband's dishonesty.

We are concerned about a legislation that is trying to create universal mental health screenings.

Who will get screened? Why will they get screened? What will happen if they get diagnosed? Are there

other ways to support struggling postpartum mothers?