Article(electronic)#16July 1, 1997
Criminalizing Women's Behavior
In: Journal of drug issues: JDI, Volume 27, Issue 3, p. 673-687
ISSN: 1945-1369
Legal precedent for criminalizing the behavior of pregnant women has been established in an attempt to protect the fetus. Elevating fetal rights over maternal rights is based on questionable assumptions and inconclusive medical evidence. These criminalization policies are sexist and serve to victimize poor, pregnant women. This paper examines the evidence and policies and suggests an alternative policy approach to dealing with families with parental drug use issues.