Legal Ramifications of Substance Use During Pregnancy

What about women who are addicted and become pregnant?

Women who are pregnant should not abuse drugs.  That is common knowledge.

Research has shown that drug or alcohol use during pregnancy can negatively affect the fetus.  But what about women who are addicted and become pregnant?  Overcoming addiction can be difficult for anyone.  Unfortunately, expectant mothers struggle with withdrawal just like any other person suffering with drug addiction.  Often the withdrawal becomes too difficult, and withdrawal symptoms are relieved by turning again to the substance.

Many states have passed laws with legal consequences for expectant mothers who are using drugs or alcohol.  Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia consider substance use while pregnant child abuse.  Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia require health care providers to report suspected prenatal substance use.  Eight states require health care providers to perform drug testing if they suspect prenatal substance use.

Mandatory drug screenings for substance use could deter women from seeking prenatal care.

Knowing they could face legal charges or mandatory drug screenings for substance use could be a deterrent for women who would otherwise seek prenatal care.  In 2011, there were 2.8 million unintended pregnancies.  Most women who are addicted and become pregnant did not plan to do so.  Facing legal consequences is not going to cause women to stop using drugs.  The opportunity to seek quality substance abuse treatment that incorporates prenatal care can help them overcome their addiction for the sake of their unborn child as well as for their own health and well-being.

Pregnant women should have the opportunity
to find quality drug and alcohol treatment.

As federal and state governments struggle to develop legal definitions and laws to protect unborn children, women who are pregnant and addicted are left to find their way in less than compassionate, and sometimes hostile environments.

These women should have the opportunity to find quality drug and alcohol treatment in a program that can help them overcome addiction and give them and their unborn babies a better chance for recovery.

Treatment should include intensive care by a skilled and compassionate team of providers who understand the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the mother as well as the protocol for the particular substance of abuse to improve the outcome for the child.

At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand drug and alcohol addiction and recovery.

We know that each person with addiction faces individual challenges that cannot be addressed with a cookie-cutter treatment program.  Our program offers holistic care with intensive individual counseling.  If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of substance use and/or relapse, we can help.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of opioid or any other substance abuse and/or relapse, we offer hope and we can help. Contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction, rediscover their dreams and embrace life.

We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE®