Last week, Ivanka Trump appeared on Dr. Oz and talked about postpartum depression–and what her life is like now that her dad is president.
Many people were outraged about the fact that she not only was a guest on his show, but was speaking out about postpartum depression at the same time her dad’s administration and its allies were seeking to get rid of reproductive and mental health coverage for millions of women.
This is why one OB-GYN, Veronica Ades, called Ivanka out on Twitter–and got many people thanking her:
Ivanka Trump, do you not see how going on Dr. Oz talking about your postpartum depression is a giant “fuck you” to American women?
— Veronica Ades (@veroniac) September 22, 2017
So unless you are out there, on the frontlines, speaking out LOUDLY to stop Graham-Cassidy from passing, I don’t want to hear it.
— Veronica Ades (@veroniac) September 22, 2017
Because you KNOW that PP depression is a problem, you KNOW that it’s not the woman’s fault, and you KNOW how bad it is.
— Veronica Ades (@veroniac) September 22, 2017
Let them eat cake, right? We hear you, Ivanka, loud and clear.
— Veronica Ades (@veroniac) September 22, 2017
Thank you for this thread. I had PP depression with suicidal thoughts…I had insurance and got treatment…every woman should have access.
— Haas Policy (@haaspolicy) September 22, 2017
I wish Dr. oz would have had an celebrity or just an everyday woman on his show to highlight postpartum depression.
— Chris Boyd (@clb0137) September 22, 2017
Even on Dr. Oz’s website, where you can watch the episode, many viewers left comments echoing their disappointment:
Postpartum depression is so common, and also so scary, so it makes sense as to why viewers didn’t react with open arms. PPD’s symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, suicidal impulses, and a feeling of detachment from one’s newborn–and it affects about one in nine women, according to the CDC. Many moms have opened up about their own experiences, and how they were able to get help–but not all women have that opportunity. Some die.
So, to go on live television and talk about postpartum depression, but not actually respond in any way to the fact that the Trump administration’s favored healthcare bill could really hurt moms who suffer from PPD, is ironic at best. Ivanka was also relatively vague on the show, not really delving into the issue at hand:
“With each of my children, I had some level of postpartum depression. It was a very challenging emotional time for me, because I felt like I was not living up to my potential as a parent or as an entrepreneur and executive.”
And yet, despite going on television to talk about a sensitive (and sadly, political) topic, Ivanka has been quoted as saying that she tries to “stay out of politics.” If that’s the case, then stay out of it, completely.
And, you know, make room for other moms to be part of the conversation–and maybe donate to some charitable causes that help women with postpartum depression, like Postpartum Health Alliance. You can learn more about PPD at American Psychological Association.
If you or anyone you know suffers from suicidal thoughts, please contact National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: LifeLine.
