Pubdate: Mon, 17 Sep 2007
Source: Fayetteville Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2007 Fayetteville Observer
Contact:  http://www.fayobserver.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/150
Author: Vinita Clark

PREGNANT ADDICTS HARM THEIR UNBORN

The state General Assembly needs to pass a prenatal law to protect the
unborn children of this state.

Some states already have this law in place, and we really could use
one here in ours. I am so tired of seeing expectant mothers doing
drugs on a daily basis with no regard at all for their unborn children.

As long has they can get "high" with no consequences for their
actions, it is the least of their worries if the child is born with a
birth defect and if we, the taxpayers of this state, have to pay the
medical bills -- especially when they know they are causing harm.

I am by no means saying that the state Department of Social Services
doesn't do its job. But even the workers tell me that "there is
nothing they can do until the child is born." Just what kind of
justice is this for the children? I know my late father would have put
me in the grave if I had even picked up a pill when I was expecting.

I wish every child in this state could be born drug-free. Everyone
makes such a deal about this No Child Left Behind legislation. Well,
if there could be consequences for the drug-addicted mothers and the
people who buy the mothers these drugs, maybe there wouldn't be the
need for all of these programs for the children who are born addicted
to drugs.

Vinita Clark 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake