In 2013, the Journal of Public Health Law and Policy published National Advocates for Pregnant Women (“NAPW”) peer-reviewed study documenting arrests, detentions, and equivalent deprivations of physical liberty of women between 1973 and 2005 in which being pregnant was a necessary element of the crime or a “but for” reason for the coercive or punitive action taken.
Arrests and Prosecutions of Pregnant Women, 1973-2020
Pregnancies and Pregnancy Outcomes in the United States
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Pregnancy and Drug Use
See full factsheet here
Medical and Public Health Group Statements Opposing Prosecution and Punishment of Pregnant Women
Every leading medical and public health organization to address the issue of pregnant women and drug use has taken a position opposing punitive approaches as dangerous to maternal, fetal and child health. Please read the information below or download this fact sheet providing summaries of and citations to these statements.
Understanding CAPTA and State Obligations
Read NAPW’s fact sheet “Understanding CAPTA and State Obligations” for information on the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and what it does and does not require.
FACT SHEET: FREE CHELSEA BECKER!
Chelsea Becker Should Not Spend One More Day in Jail
On November 5, 2019, Chelsea Becker was arrested and charged with murder under California Penal Code §187. Ms. Becker had experienced a stillbirth that the prosecutor claims (without scientific basis) was caused by her methamphetamine use during pregnancy.
What We Can Learn From Hospital Restrictions on Birth Support During the Coronavirus Pandemic
National Advocates for Pregnant Women
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The coronavirus pandemic, and our country’s lack of preparedness for it, give us an opportunity to make important observations and learn (or relearn) key lessons.
NAPW FACT SHEET: The Dangerous Litigation That Sells Out Science and Hurts Women and Babies
In the context of the nationwide litigation seeking to hold pharmaceutical companies liable for the over- prescription of opioids in the U.S., a team of private lawyers is seeking court approval to separately represent the interests of children born to women who used opioids during pregnancy.
A Statement from National Advocates for Pregnant Women: The Dangerous Litigation That Sells Out Science and Hurts Women and Babies
In the context of the nationwide litigation seeking to hold pharmaceutical companies liable for the over-prescription of opioids in the U.S, a team of private lawyers calling themselves the “Opioid Justice League” is seeking court approval to separately represent the interests of children born to women who used opioids during pregnancy.
Clinical Drug Testing of Pregnant Women and Newborns
April 17, 2019
Pregnant and postpartum women and their newborn babies are typically drug tested in medical settings without their knowledge or explicit, informed consent. Positive toxicology results are too often reported to government officials and used to support criminal and civil child abuse or neglect prosecutions.