Pros And Cons Of Teratogens

Teratogens are substances that are considered potentially detrimental towards a fetus and its development, which can cause issues after a baby is born. Examples of these are viruses, alcohol, stress, malnourishment, drug abuse, and much more. The issue as to whether a woman should be held responsible and given legal consequences towards their child’s abnormalities due to their chosen exposure to teratogens is somewhat complicated. The development of a child is a very fragile process, with about 50% of embryos unable to implant to the mother’s uterus, 20% of embryos spontaneously aborting, and only 31% of all zygotes being able to live and become babies (Berger,2014). Out of these limited births, 100,000-375,000 infants are born that were exposed

The first two weeks where initial cell differentiation occurs and she does not realize she becomes pregnant, then out of fear of legal persecution she may turn to abortion. Although I typically am not one to point out such conflicting issues such as pro-life or pro-choice, this sort of issue brings up a moral point on alternatives for pregnant women in society. Also, if this was deemed to be illegal, then how far would this be allowed to go? Women over the age of forty for example, who choose to get pregnant, have a higher risk of genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, which impairs a child both mentally and physically (Berger,2014). If the child then inherits a genetic disorder through a woman’s personal choice to have a child at an older age, should she be defamed as well? Then those women and the 85% of those in America who are pregnant and take prescription drugs, and the 15% of food-insecure households who give birth to children with low birth rates and complications should be punished as well

Rather, they should be made to enter rehabilitation programs,to receive an education on the consequences of substance abuse, be introduced to government housing/ job placement outside of possible environmental conditions that may have lead to the abuse, and guidance on how to treat their handicapped child. Afterwards, they should be monitored by Child Services, for as long as deemed necessary, to make sure the child is brought up in a healthy, nurturing environment and the parents screened for drug and alcohol use. If the child was not harmed through the abuse, then substance abuse education and support is still necessary. Those who turn to drugs may do it as a coping mechanism, or do to exposure to it as a child, and then followed the cycle of addiction. Bars keep those living in the dark, to remain consumed by the dark. Only education and support can end such cycles, and perhaps make a difference in lives who need change and knowledge the