Pubdate: Mon, 02 Apr 2007
Source: Dispatch, The (NC)
Copyright: 2007, The Lexington Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.the-dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1583
Author: Steven F. Shell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women)

LEGISLATION NEEDED

Editor: Why is it that when an expecting mother is repeatedly giving 
birth to crack babies she isn't charged with felonious child abuse 
and endangerment? I personally know of one such mother who has 
delivered three children under the influence of crack, and DSS has 
immediately taken and placed all three children. I see on a regular 
basis pregnant mothers who admit to using crack. What about the child?

We need legislation to specifically target this offender by 
specifically addressing the problem as "any expectant mother found 
using, under the influence of, or in possession of (specified) drugs, 
shall be charged with a (specified) felony; furthermore, any 
expectant mother found knowingly and willingly in the company of 
anyone using, under the influence of, or possessing (specified) 
drugs, shall be guilty of a (specified) felony."

I think we need this to protect the children unable to protect 
themselves. I can attest to the fact that this scenario plays out way 
too often, and even once is unacceptable. There must be a strong 
deterrent for this type of selfish irresponsible behavior with strong 
consequences.

Steven F. Shell
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman