Risks incurred by children of drug-addicted women: some medical and legal aspects

A review of recent literature shows a dramatic increase in the number of drug-addicted pregnant women, which increases the number of infants susceptible to the adverse effects of such addiction. The majority of new born infants born to mothers addicted to opiates show a narcotic withdrawal syndrome. The risk of prematurity and other health disorders occurring in a new-born infant is substantially increased by the mother's abuse of narcotics during pregnancy. The microbial infection of children by a contaminated drug abused in the family, and accidental poisoning of children by drugs, have also been reported. The treatment of drug-addicted pregnant women has raised ertain medical and legal questions, such as the breach of confidentiality of medical information and the criminal failure to report offences, as well as the failure to render assistance. The promotion of information and education about drug abuse during pregnancy, and the effects of such abuse on the pregnant women, her foetus and the future of a new-born infant is an urgent necessity.