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Ethical Challenges in the Treatment of Infants of Drug-Abusing Mothers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 1999

RENU JAIN
Affiliation:
Loyola University Medical Center and Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst, Illinois
DAVID C. THOMASMA
Affiliation:
Medical Humanities Program at Loyola University Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, and Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics
RASA RAGAS
Affiliation:
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois

Abstract

Nationwide, almost 11% of women abuse drugs during their pregnancy. In some communities, these numbers are as high as 25–30%. Drug abuse is not limited to the poor or to African Americans, but is seen among affluent and white Americans as well. It is widespread, irrespective of race or social class. Annually, nearly 375,000 infants are exposed to drugs in America. Because of the terrible suffering caused by these births, and the conflicts caregivers experience in the treatment of these infants, Trollope's quote is very apropos. Although caregivers have good motives in trying to rescue these babies and helping place them in a nurturing environment, despair about this objective is always close to the surface.

Type
SPECIAL SECTION: WHEN OTHERS DECIDE
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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