NCJ Number
168446
Date Published
1992
Length
102 pages
Annotation
A task force appointed by the Michigan governor in 1991 examined issues related to pregnant drug users and their infants and made recommendations on drug prevention, early identification and treatment of drug-using women as the main method of rehabilitation, and treatment follow-up to enhance children's early development and readiness for school.
Abstract
The research literature reveals two main themes on women and drug abuse: anger and blame at the woman and continuing neglect of the issue and a resulting lack of treatment services. Drug use during pregnancy is a major health problem due to the associated perinatal complications. An estimated 16,000 infants are born in Michigan each year to women who use harmful substances. Alcohol abuse, smoking, and illegal drugs are all harmful. The lack of adequate and appropriate treatment programs for women is the most crucial barrier to addressing the problem. To overcome this and other barriers, the State should take actions based on a nine guiding principles. Recommended solutions include a media information campaign, wide dissemination of printed materials, workplace nonsmoking policies, and 56 other actions. Figures, tables, map, appended position statement of the Michigan Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, and 58 references