http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/24/21117142-shackled-and-pregnant-wis-case-challenges-fetal-protection-law?lite
I found this article interesting. I went through a situation that was similar in some ways with my first pregnancy. It wasn't about recreational drug use but about prescriptions I was taking for epilepsy. I wouldn't take them. I knew how toxic they were and I didn't have an extreme seizure disorder. I refused to subject my child to the effects of the drugs. Because of this I had a hard time finding a physician to treat me prenatally. I did finally find one __ a good one. Also an interesting story. :) However
What this young woman has gone through raises some interesting and important questions.
It is true there are addicted babies being born all the time. It is a tragedy, to say the least, but is what the authorities did here the answer? And in her case I would have to say no.
But that's my opinion...what's yours?
I think what they have done to her is completely outrageous. Also, there are several people in the story who could have exercised discretion to find much more workable solutions to any real problem, but they all behaved like idiots instead.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The state is beginning to remind me of Va. in many ways. Too much intrusion in the wrong areas.
DeleteI agree with Augie, and I have another question/comment... I thought abortion was legal? How can the state uphold one law over another?
ReplyDeleteI have no good answer for that, Miki. The political situation in each state varies.
DeleteIn Nebraska a child is not a child until they are born and so a woman can abuse drugs and do all she wants while pregnant, but once that baby is born and tests positive for an illicit substance (a child was just born in the state that tested positive for amphetamines - I believe ... possibly cocaine) than the mother is charged with abuse, endangerment of a child and the child is placed in protective custody ... I don't necessarily think this is the answer either ... *shrugs*
ReplyDeleteI think good prenatal care is essential. If a physician finds an expectant mother in a high risk situation then that physician should do as much positive interaction for the mother as possible. But there is only so much they can do. And how about all the mothers who can't get or won't get, prenatal care? And when will they decide that the use of tobacco is nearly as harmful as harder drugs on a fetus? Education about the effects of drugs, alcohol and even diet are essential. And we don't provide that far too often.
DeleteThis is so alien and wackadooo to me.
ReplyDeleteSo, they arrested her for drug use (essentially) because she refused a drug. WTF?
How can they not deem abuse of a mother not harmful to the unborn child?
She's lost her job, put strain on her family (like having a newborn isn't stressful enough for a young family) and they don't see this as child abuse? This baby will now be born into a increased stress environment in likely below poverty level. (the vagueness of "the food industry" hints at a career of waitress (at best) and restaurant chain server at least.
And all the while the mothers who do line up at the meth lab are the last ones to be seeking prenatal care. This law helps no one last of all the unborn child(ren) it was meant to protect. pffft.
Right on all counts. The stress chemicals released by this woman would be enough to poison the baby.
Delete