Mississippi Criminal Law BlogDrug Use During Pregnancy
Child abuse is a serious and devastating issue that affects millions of children worldwide. It can cause long-lasting harm to a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. One particularly concerning form of child abuse is drug use during pregnancy, which can have severe and lasting impacts on both the mother and the developing fetus.
Pregnant women who use drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine can cause serious harm to their developing fetus. These drugs can cross the placenta and disrupt the normal development of the fetus, causing a range of physical and mental health problems. For example, exposure to cocaine can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and cognitive and behavioral problems.
In addition to the harm caused to the developing fetus, drug use during pregnancy can also have negative impacts on the health of the mother. Substance abuse during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and other complications, such as placental abruption (separation of the placenta pre-birth) and pre-eclampsia (a high blood pressure disorder).
Drug use during pregnancy can also affect the mother-child relationship and the development of attachment. Substance abuse can impair the mother’s ability to care for her child, causing a disruption in the bond between the mother and child, which is crucial for a child’s healthy development. If you become pregnant and have a substance abuse disorder, it is important you discuss your drug usage with your doctor early on so they can take steps to ensure you and your child get the treatment you need. Working on a substance abuse disorder for the benefit of your child is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.
Can the Mother be Punished?
In many states, including Mississippi, drug use during pregnancy is considered a serious form of child abuse and can result in criminal penalties and child welfare interventions. Under Mississippi law, it is illegal for a mother to use drugs during pregnancy if it results in harm to the fetus or the newborn child. A mother who uses drugs during pregnancy can be charged with a crime and face fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important to discuss your substance usage with your doctor as early as possible to begin treatment for the benefit of yourself and your child.
In addition, the child may be taken into protective custody and placed in foster care if the authorities determine that the child is at risk due to the mother’s drug use. In extreme cases, drug use during pregnancy may result in the termination of parental rights. This can happen if the authorities determine that the child is in danger due to the mother’s drug use, and that it is not in the child’s best interest to remain in the care of the biological parents.
The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is responsible for responding to reports of child abuse and neglect, including drug use during pregnancy. The department may investigate and determine whether the child is at risk of harm and whether the mother is able to provide adequate care. If the department determines that the child is at risk, they may take steps to protect the child, including placing the child in foster care or seeking court intervention to terminate the parent’s rights.
However, it’s important to note that the focus should be on helping women overcome their drug addiction and not solely on punishment. Instead of solely punishing women, efforts should be made to provide them with access to medical treatment, counseling, and support services to help them recover from drug addiction and ensure the health and well-being of their child.
Reporting Child Abuse
Every state has a hotline that people can call to report child abuse. Mississippi’s hotline number is 1-800-222-8000 or reports can be made online at https://reportabuse.mdcps.ms.gov/. If you know or suspect that someone you know is using drugs during their pregnancy, you should err on the side of caution and call the hotline to report.
Finding an Attorney
If you know or suspect that someone you love may be using drugs during their pregnancy, you should consider talking to an attorney. The experienced attorneys at Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. are qualified and prepared to handle family law cases that may turn criminal. Our firm can handle your case with a balance of compassion and confidence to guide you through one of the most difficult times a person can go through. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your options.
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