Tennessee Bill Could Send Addicted Moms To Jail

Elizabeth Prewitt PACEsConnection writer 4/23/1412:00 PM

Pregnant women addicted to illegal narcotics or prescription pain pills could soon be jailed in Tennessee under a bill awaiting the governor's signature. The enjoys bipartisan support — despite objections from doctors.

The medical term for what happens when a newborn has withdrawal symptoms a day or two after birth is "." At its worst, these babies suffer from seizures; it's not clear whether there might also be lasting effects.

Tennessee last year forced every hospital to start reporting such cases, and the numbers . As health officials have made drug-dependent babies a priority, the Legislature has taken a more punitive approach.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/04/17/304173789/tennessee-bill-could-send-addicted-moms-to-jail

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