When social policies are made they usually fall short of meeting the needs of the individual, however they meet the needs of the majority. Policies derive from policy makers and the public’s view of a situation, this perception determines whether social policy is developed at all. In the late 1980’s a recurrent problem of prenatal substance abuse existed and many policy makers remain at odds as to how to address the social problem. In a research article by Lawrence Berger (2002), an in depth cost-benefit analysis of the causes of prenatal substance abuse was researched. If a treatment referral policy for pregnant women is implemented and strictly enforced, it will provide a monetary benefit for society. Implementing this type of policy will benefit and protect pregnant substance abusers and allow them to receive proper treatment, at an affordable expense. If women and their unborn fetus were tested and treated early within the first trimester, well developed intervention treatment facilities would need to be properly constructed. This article also addresses the policy in …show more content…
This article views the fetus as a person with enforceable rights, therefore pregnant women should be criminalized for their behavior. The reason women should be criminalized is because their actions cause consequences for not only themselves, but also for their unborn fetus. According to Gustavsson & MacEachron (1997), pregnant women have the obligation, set by medical practitioners, to refrain from abusing substances. However if they chose to not obey these obligations their actions would be classified as being harmful therefore prosecution is the appropriate response. Even though Gustavsson & MacEacheron (1997), believe prosecution would be appropriate they also take into account, criminalizing maternal conduct might consequently discourage women from reporting and seeking the proper health