Addicted Mothers to be Criminalized in Tennessee
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Keywords
Addicted mothers
Abstract
In April 2014 Tennessee acted to criminalize pregnant women who use illegal drugs and have an offspring “considered harmed”. We discuss seven major reasons why this law is wrong and dangerous. Criminalizing vulnerable, addicted mothers scare them away from treatment. The new law will practically target the poor, vulnerable, uninsured non - white pregnant woman. It is hoped that, similar to previous cases, the American justice system will once again reverse the decision and allow the true American values to prevail.
References
1. Gonzalez T, The Tennessean, April 30, 2014.
2. Mc D onough K. Salon, April 30, 2014.
3. Tennessee Department of Health. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. November 2012. Available: http://health.state.tn.us/MCH/NAS/index.shtml . Accessed May 13, 2014.
4. Panossian AA, Panossian V, Doumanian NP. Criminalization of perinatal HIV transmission. J Leg Med 1998 Jun;19(2):223 - 55.
5. Farr KA. Fetal abuse and the criminalization of behavior during pregnancy. Crime Delinq 1995 Apr;41(2):235 - 45.
2. Mc D onough K. Salon, April 30, 2014.
3. Tennessee Department of Health. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. November 2012. Available: http://health.state.tn.us/MCH/NAS/index.shtml . Accessed May 13, 2014.
4. Panossian AA, Panossian V, Doumanian NP. Criminalization of perinatal HIV transmission. J Leg Med 1998 Jun;19(2):223 - 55.
5. Farr KA. Fetal abuse and the criminalization of behavior during pregnancy. Crime Delinq 1995 Apr;41(2):235 - 45.