Addiction issues

The opioid epidemic has received much attention in recent years. One particular group, however, has been disregarded. Pregnant women with opioid addictions are being criminalized rather than given help. This is a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue due to the negative effects on the mother and baby.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the rate of opioid use disorder has gone up more than four times among pregnant women in the past few years. Women in this position may be reluctant to receive prenatal care out of fear of being arrested, thereby jeopardizing their own health as well as that of their babies. Women should be allowed to have access to the proper care to help them with their addictions and pregnancies without fear of being jailed.

As a nurse working with women in under-served areas, I am disheartened to see pregnant women with addiction issues living in fear and blaming themselves for the situation they are facing. Often, they feel there is nowhere to turn for help. Evidence shows that laws punishing pregnant women with addiction can be harmful and dangerous. Instead of punishing, we should provide a safe space for treatment and recovery. Punishment is punitive, not a method of treatment. MALLIKA JOIS

Bloomfield