Since almost the beginning of the development of law and government women has had the right to an abortion. Now days more drug addicted women pregnant seem to not be utilizing their right to an abortion and some are choosing to go through the entire 9 months if they can make it. If this happens it is expected that before, during and after pregnancy the baby will suffer even as a fetus. Before birth it could be problems such as “placenta problems, premature labor issues, miscarriages, or the baby can even be stillborn”. After birth it can be issues with the baby such as low birth weight, heart problems, birth defects, infections like “HIV or Hep C, neonatal syndrome, behavior issues, mental health issues or even sudden infant death syndrome” (Street drugs and pregnancy, n.d.). …show more content…
According to a nationwide study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 11.6% of pregnant women aged 15 – 44 years old used alcohol, while 17.3% used tobacco, 6% used prescription medications, and 4.3% used illicit drugs. While these types of pregnancies warrant timely caution and much attention some babies are dyeing or born with issues while their mothers are being on a vicious cycle of addiction, ending up in jail or some mothers die. In this paper I will attempt to further discuss issues surrounding the special population of women whom are pregnant and using illicit or prescribed substance. I will also attempt to discuss if these women should be charged as such a criminal holding them liable for the unborn child. Last, I will provide my stance answering the question if it was such a law would this law contribute to less drug addiction among women pregnant whom abuse drugs. This issue has been an ongoing dilemma since the law has no standard or statute regarding women pregnant and on