National survey of the states: policies and practices regarding drug-using pregnant women.

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of national policy shifts on state policies and practices regarding substance-using mothers. A 1995 telephone survey of substance abuse and child protective services directors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia was compared with a similar 1992 survey. There have been significant increases in state interventions for drug-using pregnant women (e.g., criminal prosecution, toxicology testing of women and neonates). Federal resources for treatment and oversight are being replaced by state control of reduced funds for treatment. The earlier policy of expanding treatment for addicted women is being replaced by reduction of services and increased state intervention.