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Drugs + Pregnancy = Prison in Alabama | 21 comments (21 topical)

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Well, if there was an abundance (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by Fabian on Sat Mar 15, 2008 at 02:04:31 PM EST
of treatment facilities and they were free, I might agree with you.

But until cities and counties offer free and accessible prenatal care and addiction treatment services, I have to think that prosecuting and locking up pregnant women serves primarily the prosecutor's ambitions.

Note:  Ohio has real problems with drugs in its prisons and jails.  Would arresting and imprisoning a pregnant woman actually result in her being deprived of drugs?  And if not - what would be the point?

[ Parent ]

accessible services (none / 0) (#14)
by diogenes on Sat Mar 15, 2008 at 08:41:04 PM EST
When you tell a guy on probation for DWI or a sex offense to get treatment/stay sober or go to prison, they somehow find treatment (at least in New York).  How are pregnant women different?

[ Parent ]
A woman's health (none / 0) (#18)
by Fabian on Sun Mar 16, 2008 at 11:59:50 AM EST
suddenly becomes important only when she's pregnant?

That's an invasion of privacy right there.  In a previous comment, I pointed out that damage from lifestyle choices can happen as early as the first trimester.  The real issue should be how to address ALL health care issues from addiction to general health to contraception.

But the minute you go after pregnant women, you are crossing a line.  Why one drug and not another?  How can you ensure that a pregnant woman in prison won't gain access to drugs?  We had a heroin overdose in prison locally.  Drugs in prison is a problem.

I don't condone anyone abusing drugs, but I'd draw the line at giving pregnant women any different treatment simply because they are pregnant.

[ Parent ]

Drugs + Pregnancy = Prison in Alabama | 21 comments (21 topical)

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