Baby tests positive for illegal drugs? Arrest the mom.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Oh that already happens. At least in Oklahoma, with every hospital birth, we already check the meconium for evidence of the mother using drugs during the pregnancy.

Really? Every single hospital birth? Do the mothers/fathers know to expect that? Who pays for it?

I applaud the reasoning behind attempting to identify babies born into potentially dangerous/neglectful situations, but testing every single one really seems excessive.

[als463]

Many states already practice this. I don't know much about the mother getting arrested but, child protective services will step in if the baby is born addicted. In fact, in cases where the mother has a drug history and is currently in drug treatment, they usually do tests on the baby when it is born. I'm an advocate for methadone for women who are addicted to opiates and are pregnant because its controlled by a doctor with a specialized DEA number, it helps with the cravings, and it's much safer than shooting anything into your veins which can lead to Aids. When mothers in methadone treatment, in NY, have a baby, the child usually gets placed with someone else at first but, later goes back to the mother if it is proven through her treatment counselor (and sometimes also a PO) that she is not abusing drugs.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Really? Every single hospital birth? Do the mothers/fathers know to expect that? Who pays for it?

Researched a little more. It's not all, but in these cases, a test is likely going to be ordered:

• Drop in deliveries;
• No prenatal care;
• Placental abruption;
• Premature birth or labor;
• Physical signs of substance use;
• Self-reported substance use;
• Maternal history of substance use; and
• Previous positive test.

I applaud the reasoning behind attempting to identify babies born into potentially dangerous/neglectful situations, but testing every single one really seems excessive.

Yeah, I was off the mark, it seems.