Governor's Policy May Deter Mothers from Seeking Medical Attention
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In a recent development, the governor of New Mexico has mandated that all hospitals report substance-exposed newborns and that babies undergo a 72-hour custody hold. However, this policy has been met with criticism from perinatal substance use experts, who argue that it could have detrimental effects on pregnant and postpartum people, hospitals, and the healthcare system overall.
The mandate, as a perinatal substance use expert, is criticised as misguided and dangerous by speakers like [Name of the Expert], who expresses concern that the policy will discourage people from seeking substance use treatment, perpetuate racial and social disparities, and generational trauma.
The policy's negative impact on pregnant and postpartum people is significant. Fear and distrust of healthcare providers are created, acting as a barrier to seeking prenatal and postpartum care or honest disclosure of substance use. This fear stems from the risk of Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, possible removal of the newborn, and legal consequences, which can exacerbate stress, stigma, and trauma during an already vulnerable time.
Hospitals face challenges related to mandatory reporting, including the ethical dilemma of balancing patient confidentiality with legal obligations, increased administrative burden to comply with reporting requirements, and potentially strained relationships with patients who fear punitive repercussions. Reporting positive drug screens in mother or newborn triggers CPS involvement, which requires evaluation and follow-up, adding to workload and complicating discharge planning.
At the healthcare system level, mandatory reporting and custody holds can unintentionally undermine public health goals by deterring people who use substances from engaging in care, thus missing opportunities for intervention and treatment. Such policies often emphasise surveillance and punishment rather than supportive, integrated treatment approaches and trauma-informed care. The system may also face increased costs related to CPS investigations, foster care placement, and long-term social services, rather than investing in evidence-based perinatal substance use treatment and postpartum support.
Amber, a testament to a compassionate approach to this issue, found compassionate care in New Mexico, where she was a patient. Amber, who travelled hundreds of miles to seek prenatal and substance use care in New Mexico, was fleeing a state with punitive policies for families affected by substance use. Amber's son was born with methamphetamines in his system, but she received ongoing support and is currently 18 months in recovery, raising her healthy son.
Research demonstrates harm from such punitive approaches, according to the speaker. The Maternal Mortality Review Committee in the state identified substance use as a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death. To care for the population in question, the speaker suggests a need for housing, health insurance, skilled providers, stigma-free settings, and other resources, based on evidence of improved outcomes.
The mandate is expected to cause more suffering and death among pregnant/postpartum people, and the Child Youth and Family Department (CYFD) in the state is expected to be further stretched thin. Foster care in the state may expand, potentially placing more children in dangerous situations.
In summary, while mandatory reporting aims to protect newborns, it can lead to negative consequences such as reduced prenatal care engagement, increased maternal stress, and potential family separations, which may ultimately harm maternal and infant health outcomes and strain healthcare and social services resources. A more compassionate, evidence-based approach is needed to support pregnant and postpartum people and improve health outcomes for all.
- The perinatal substance use expert expresses their opinion that the policy could worsen mental health among pregnant and postpartum individuals due to fear and distrust of healthcare providers.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, a more supportive approach, such as evidence-based perinatal substance use treatment and postpartum support, could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
- Family health could be affected by the policy's potential to perpetuate racial and social disparities and generational trauma.
- In the field of science, research suggests that punitive approaches can direct attention away from essential resources like housing and skilled providers, which are crucial for better maternal and infant health.
