Law Commons^™

Child Welfare Interventions For Drug-Dependent Pregnant Women: Limitations Of A Non-Public Health Response, Ellen M. Weber

Faculty Scholarship

National drug policy, medical practice and the child welfare system have not kept pace with scientific research that points to effective health interventions to address alcoholism and drug dependence among pregnant women. In its 2003 amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, Congress adopted a policy requiring physicians to report to child protective services all patients who give birth to an infant affected by illicit drug use. Drawing on epidemiological, medical and social science research, this Article critiques Congress’s decision to require health professionals to engage in a surveillance role instead of a therapeutic intervention. In seeking to …