NCJ Number
138831
Journal
Milbank Quarterly Volume: 69 Issue: 4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 595-622
Date Published
1991
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Drug policy for women must consider not only the personal consequences but also the consequences to the fetus and should focus on assisting rather than punishing the woman.
Abstract
Policy must accommodate individual autonomy and choice as well as group interests. However, women who abuse drugs are generally viewed as deviant, irresponsible, and morally blameworthy, in contrast to the innocence and vulnerability of the fetus. Therefore, responses to pregnant women's drug abuse have been mainly punitive, based on the reasoning that such measures are required to protect the fetus. A more appropriate approach would be to view the maternal-fetal relationship as an interactive one in which the needs of one define the needs of both. This approach broadens the range of strategies available and raises questions about the effectiveness of coercive strategies. This approach is the only one that will make it possible to help pregnant drug abusers, their fetuses, and their children. Footnotes and 58 references