The role of the APN is to serve as an advocate for
distributive justice, reducing health care disparities,
eliminating stigmatization, and reducing exploitation
of vulnerable populations.3 By providing education
to individuals, employers, and policymakers on the
harmful effects of postpartum depression for mothers,
infants, and fathers, the APN can accomplish nursing
goals of health promotion, minimization of injury,
and reduction of illness. Equally important are the
roles of advocate and change agent in creating
awareness so that employers can modify workplace
policies to reduce the burgeoning problem of
perinatal depression. Ethical principles of beneficence,
non-maleficence, and justice are threads that are
woven into the efforts of advocacy and education of
all stakeholders involved.