Dr. Stephen Patrick on drug testing new mothers
Summary
Dr. Stephen Patrick, a doctor who cares for newborn babies and studies the opioid crisis, spoke about drug testing mothers during pregnancy. He warns that automatically involving child welfare or police after one positive drug test can cause more problems than it solves, such as pushing moms away from medical care and unfairly affecting Black and Native American families.Key Facts
- Dr. Stephen Patrick works in a newborn intensive care unit and researches opioid effects on pregnant women and babies.
- He discussed what happens when a mother tests positive for drugs during pregnancy.
- Some places refer these mothers to child welfare or law enforcement after one positive drug test.
- This automatic referral can make mothers avoid prenatal medical care.
- The practice can disproportionately impact Black and Native American families.
- Separating mothers from their newborns might occur without clear proof of harm.
- Marijuana, legal in many states, is included in these drug tests.
- Dr. Patrick suggests this approach might do more harm than good.
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