Mothers and Children, Drugs and Crack: Reactions to Maternal Drug Dependency (From Criminalization of a Woman's Body, P 203-221, 1992, Clarice Feinman, ed. -- See NCJ- 138482)

• NCJ Number: 138484
• Author(s): D Humphries; J Dawson; V Cronin; P Keating; C Wisniewski; J Eichfeld
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Harrington Park Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This paper is a revision of one presented at the American Society of Criminology Conference, November 10, 1990.

Annotation

This paper argues against the criminalization of pregnancy for drug-using women under the rubric of child abuse and for an increase in funding for drug treatment and prenatal services for poor women.

Abstract

Prosecutors in various States have charged drug-using pregnant women with drug trafficking and child abuse; and under child abuse reporting laws, health care providers are required to report suspected cases of drug use among pregnant women. Subsequent court action may force these women to forfeit their children to congregate or foster care. Medical and public health organizations condemn such prosecutions and child abuse reporting as discriminatory. Women's groups have cited violation of fundamental reproductive rights. Such criminalization of pregnancy drives women at high risk for complications during pregnancy away from the health care system. Under current governmental priorities, funding and focus are on the criminalization and punishment of drug users rather than on treatment and prevention. Priorities should shift from law enforcement and punishment to health care as a means of curtailing drug abuse among women and helping them to become better mothers for their children. 7 notes and 28 references