Last month Hennepin County announced that it would no longer charge women who abuse drugs during pregnancy.
Proponents of this new policy argue that criminalization does not deter substance abuse. Our concern is whether these changes in charging practices will harm more babies than it helps.
State data shows that over 400 newborns were diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome in 2022 – the highest in recent years. Additionally, our own fatality report showed that fentanyl poisoning accounted for nine of the 21 child deaths we reviewed in 2022 and 2023.
In a press release issued by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, few details were provided about how children would be safer before and after birth.
The bottom line is that parental substance abuse puts children at much higher risk for abuse and neglect. Someone needs to watch out for their health and safety, too.
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