In 2025, pregnancy and parenthood were at the center of many national conversations, with developments in new policy recommendations drawing both heightened interest and heated debate. This review highlights some of this year’s most significant developments in perinatal mental health policy, research, and innovation.

Several high-profile events in 2025 placed medication safety and perinatal health policies under intense public and professional scrutiny. Below are key updates and reactions from major health organizations.

Debates About Medication Safety During Pregnancy

In July, an FDA panel met to discuss the safety of pregnancy-related use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of medication widely prescribed for depression and other mental health disorders. Many prominent maternal health organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), raised concerns about the panel’s perceived one-sided account and misrepresentation of the evidence. In response, they released statements reiterating the evidence in support of the medication’s safety for use during pregnancy, in addition to highlighting the often hidden risks associated with untreated prenatal depression.

Acetaminophen and Neurodevelopmental Concerns

In September, the HHS and FDA issued a statement suggesting “the use of acetaminophen by........

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