Pubdate: Sat, 10 Feb 2007
Source: Casper Star-Tribune (WY)
Copyright: 2007 Casper Star-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.casperstartribune.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/765
Author: Ben Neary, Associated Press writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women)

DEBATE PERSISTS OVER METH-MOM BILL

CHEYENNE -- The measure's main sponsor was delighted Thursday at the 
House's approval of a bill to allow criminal prosecution of mothers 
who exposed their newborn children to methamphetamine in the womb.

Rep. Elaine Harvey, R-Lovell, said after the House vote that she was 
pleased to see the bill move forward after years of working on the issue.

"A whole group of children in Wyoming are going to be better off," 
Harvey said. "I think a lot of times the legislation we pass is not 
perfect, but I think this is going to give it a good shot at solving 
the problem."

Harvey said officials at the Wyoming Department of Family Services 
have told her that substance abuse issues forced the state to put 72 
children into placements outside of their homes from 2003 through 2005.

Rep. Liz Gentile, D-Evansville, said during debate in the House that 
she has served on the Natrona County Child Protection Team. While she 
said the world would be a better place without any illegal drugs, she 
said she still opposed the bill.

"I think going down this road is going to deter women from seeking 
help," Gentile said.

Rep. Sue Wallis, R-Recluse, opposed the bill even after the House 
adopted an amendment that expands the definition of abuse under the 
Child Protective Services Act to include prenatal exposure to 
methamphetamine. The change means that a mother who exposed her 
newborn to the drug during pregnancy could be referred to drug court. 
The drug court, in turn, could order to woman to get treatment.

A felony conviction under the earlier version of the bill could have 
resulted in prison sentences. The revised bill could still result in 
mothers losing custody of their children to the state, however.

"Ultimately that crime is still going to cause women to avoid the 
care that they need, and babies the care that they deserve," Wallis said.

"Let's not instill the fear that if I go to the hospital to have my 
baby that my baby is going to be jerked out of my arms and given to 
someone else," Wallis said.

Rep. Tom Lubnau, R-Gillette, said he's represented hospitals in his 
work as a lawyer. He said when they get babies who have been exposed 
to methamphetamine, he tells them to "do the right thing -- call 
Family Services."

Lubnau said the bill would provide legal protection to doctors and 
health care workers who take it upon themselves to call the state 
when they see a child they expect has been exposed to methamphetamine.

Rep. Marty Martin, D-Rock Springs, said he supported the amendment to 
take the violation out of the realm of the state's criminal code. He 
said it's unfortunate that the House had to debate the issue.

"Methamphetamine is a huge issue all across the state," Martin said. 
"I agree with the sponsor of the bill; it's something that we need, 
and we need it now."

Brenda Ilg, lobbyist with NARAL Pro-Choice Wyoming, said her group 
intends to oppose the bill as it moves through the Wyoming Senate. 
"Coerced treatment just doesn't work," she said after the House vote.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman