Outrage as hospitals test pregnant moms for drugs near low-income neighborhoods

[el_em_en_oh]

Expecting moms in New York are being drug tested in hospitals near low income neighborhoods.  But pregnancy advocates are calling the practice racist and discriminatory.

“You cannot tell from a drug test if someone is fit to parent,” said Lynn Paltrow of the National Advocates for Pregnant Women.

More than a dozen pregnancy wards across the city administer a marijuana test, without the mother’s consent.  According to the Daily News, the number of tests given to pregnant women varies from hospital to hospital.  St. Barnabas Hospital in the South Bronx requires all mothers to agree to testing.  If they refuse, the babies are tested.

But Lenox Hill Hospital on the ritzy Upper East Side only tests if a mother is clearly under the influence.

If a mother fails the pot test, the results are sent to child-protection services.  In one case, a Bronx mother smoked a joint at a party during her pregnancy and failed.  The Administration for Child Services ordered her to ‘Mommy Probation’ until they agency dropped the case earlier this year.

Hospitals that do random drug testing say their first priority is the child’s health.  An argument Paltrow does not support.  She says scientists believe marijuana poses less risk to the fetus than alcohol or cigarettes.  Yet turning over results to the government can destroy a family.

“Low income families expect privacy.  Yet, they have less of a guarantee than job applicants do,” said Paltrow.

We reached out to the ACS to see how many neglect cases stem from failed pregnancy ward drug tests.  The agency did not have an accurate number.

SOURCE: http://pix11.com/2012/12/26/pregnant-women-in-low-income-areas-more-likely-to-be-drug-tested/?hpt=us_bn7

[nursegirl6572]

SM, as always, you articulate things so well.  

And it might put a mom into the system to keep an eye on.  (someone having issues staying clean while pregnant would be good to have on the radar once the baby is born.).  

Well put.

[specialmom]

I would like to see this done for all women as part of the routine procedures pregnant ladies go through.  Then it wouldn't be a big deal, we'd all go through it.  I don't think it would be a huge percentage of women that would then dey themselves/their babies prenatal care because so many uneducated (hate to put it that way . . . ) women already believe they are tested.  

I don't think it should mean that someone automatically should have their children removed.  It's an opportunity for education.  and it is a chance to identify big problems.  And it might put a mom into the system to keep an eye on.  (someone having issues staying clean while pregnant would be good to have on the radar once the baby is born.).  

So, I'm all for it.  

[nursegirl6572]

Problem is, how many people will simply opt out of pre natal care, thereby endangering the child even more if they think it will be turned over to cps.

True.  So frustrating....when you find somewhat of a solution, there's always the downside.  :0(

I also think HIV should be tested for as well. .
I totally agree.  While MOST pregnant Moms comply with the HIV testing that is recommended, still many refuse.  I also am not a fan of making things mandatory...but I would be okay with both of the above.

[R Glass]

  "I am so glad I had a home birth ! "
All 3 of mine were born at home to. Do you realize, after all these years we have found something we have in common? Maybe it's a sign of "The End Times" LOL

[teko]

When I had my children, there were always things to be tested for. Adding one for drug abuse should be automatic imo. Problem is, how many people will simply opt out of pre natal care, thereby endangering the child even more if they think it will be turned over to cps. I also think HIV should be tested for as well.

[adgal]

If interested, here is an interesting article on the whole addiction as nature debate....I think it's well rounded personally.

http://www.ibdna.com/regions/UK/EN/?page=genesAndAddiction

Another interesting study...

http://www.substanceabusepolicy.com/content/5/1/19