NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME

     The issue of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is very close to my heart on many levels.  I never understood how these tiniest of  victims have no rights.   The mother's can walk into a hospital, deliver an addicted baby, check out of the hospital, leaving their baby to suffer horrible pain while detoxing from the drugs in there little systems for approximately 30 days.  How is this NOT child abuse?  Unfortunately the majority of these women do this multiple times and do not care for heir babies themselves (stats forthcoming).  Not only are these babies born writhing in pain they are often left with life long struggles such as cognitive difficulties , motor skills delay and behavioral issues.  To add insult to injury they are often placed in foster care where they develop abandonment issues among others that compound their already fragile interior.     

     I strongly believe this issue needs to become loud and clear that such practices are not acceptable.  Why is it legal for a woman to do drugs and get pregnant?  If a mom hurts a child it's considered abuse, right?  If a pregnant woman is killed by someone, doesn't the killer get charged for killing the mom and her fetus?  I don't get it.  During my grad school years I clashed many times with fellow students as well as with a couple of instructors on this issue.  I was told to force birth control or punitive consequences for woman who habitually deliver addicted babies is barbaric.......?????  How?  The babies have no voice or rights?  

     For those who need a cost of care, "taxpayers are spending $22 billion a year, or $40,000 a child on foster care programs" (facts on Foster Care in America - ABC News, 2006).  That article was written 8 years ago, just imagine the cost today.  This cost does not include the hospital, delivery, or the special care these babies need for approximately 30 days while detoxing.

     

     I would love to have some input on this.  If anyone has any ideas, proposals, etc., please let me know.  I cannot be the only advocate for these babies, can I?