Mothers and Children, Drugs and Crack:

Abstract

This paper discusses the criminalization of pregnancy. Prosecutors have charged drug-using pregnant women with drug trafficking and child abuse. However health care providers, bound to report suspected cases of drug use among pregnant women, have brought far more women into family court where they risk forfeiting their children to congregate or foster care. The paper reviews the lack of drug treatment programs for women and concludes by recommending community-based drug treatment that keeps families together and provides full range of social services.