Using illegal drugs by pregnant women can have significant health effects for both the unborn child and the mother. Most drugs consumed by the mother travel through the placenta into the fetus’ bloodstream. The use of opiates and similar substances increases the chance of stillbirth. Regular use of opioids, marijuana, cigarettes, illegal or prescribed pain medications, or heroin can result in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a disorder in which a newborn experiences withdrawal throughout the birth process. Therefore, to mitigate the challenge, funding of detoxification programs, voluntary sterilization programs to prevent future injury and criminal prosecution of mothers who place their unborn children is necessary.
Funding detoxification programs help provide financial assistance so pregnant women can undergo rehabilitation therapies that limit the risk of harm to their unborn children. The programs assist pregnant women in beginning the path to recovery to save the life of their unborn child by recognizing their struggle with opiate and associated substance dependence (Jurgens, 2022). Therefore, expectant mothers require these programs to restore their well-being, general health, and happiness and, most significantly, to protect their unborn children from risk factors such as stillbirth, early birth, and miscarriage (Jurgens, 2022). The United States government recommends various detoxification treatments, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback therapy (Jurgens, 2022). Consequently, these programs can reduce the exposure and risks that drug-abusing pregnant women may face during their pregnancy. Therefore, protecting unborn children from dangers such as an increased risk of sudden infant death Syndrome (SIDS) or a low fetal development rate.
In the United States, it is illegal for mothers to expose their unborn children to the risks connected with the use of drugs and related substances. Abortion is guaranteed only if the condition is determined by a certified physician with a legitimate medical opinion (Angelotta & Appelnaum, 2017). Policymakers and law enforcement officials in the United States argue that harsh punishment deters pregnant women from abusing narcotics such as opiates (Angelotta & Appelnaum, 2017). However, medical professionals recommend treatment to minimize substance intake during pregnancy. Due to societal unpredictability in the United States, the legal punishments for pregnancy abuse vary from state to state. Parents are revoked for abusing the civil rights of children. The use of illegal substances by pregnant women that endanger the fetus is unlawful, particularly in Tennessee. The state guarantees criminal assault for pregnant women who take prohibited substances (Angelotta & Appelnaum, 2017). Women have been convicted of significant drug offenses resulting in child abuse, murder, or manslaughter.
The programs for voluntary sterilization prevent future harm to unborn children. Pregnant women should engage in Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancies programs (HTSP). The program seeks to connect and assist vulnerable pregnant and parenting women who abuse substances and confront complicated societal concerns (Rutman et al., 2020). The programs provide assistance, mental health care, and prenatal care. The program employs a research-based strategy that supports the objectives and services for pregnant mothers (Rutman et al., 2020). Therefore, this enables expecting mothers who use opiates and related medications to protect their unborn children.
In conclusion, protecting unborn children is one approach to saving lives, particularly among substance-abusing mothers. Enrollment in programs that offer mental and prenatal treatments and detoxification programs, such as inpatient rehab, outpatient, cognitive behavioral therapy, or biofeedback therapy, can protect the unborn child of drug-abusing women. In extreme circumstances, mothers who expose their unborn children in violation of the law are convicted and punished to alleviate the problem.
References
Angelotta, C., & Appelnaum, S. P. (2017). Criminal charges for child harm from substances use in pregnancy, Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 45(2), 193-203. Web.
Jurgens. J. (2022). What are my addiction treatment options?Addition center. Web.
Rutman, D., Hubberstey. C., Poole, N., Bibber., V. M. (2020). Multi-service prevention programs for pregnant and parenting women with substance use and multiple vulnerabilities: Programs and clients’ perspectives on wraparound programming, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(441). Web.