NCJ Number
127056
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 529
Date Published
1990
Length
1 page
Annotation
The issue of State intervention in cases of maternal substance abuse is raised.
Abstract
Such substance abuse is confirmed to have damaging effects on the unborn children, and society is responsible for protecting its children from harm, but the law of the land states that a woman has a right to privacy that extends to her fetus. Those who advocate positions either absolutely for or against State intervention tend to sacrifice one set of interests for another. Proponents tend to neglect women's rights, long-term legal ramifications, and the fact that legal drugs can also have damaging effects on fetuses; opponents say that nothing should be done even when harmful behavior is clearly evident. Both sides agree that more resources are needed for education, substance abuse treatment, and prenatal care.