HB 237: Child Welfare

This bill criminalizes people who use substances during pregnancy by adding language about substance use throughout child welfare laws. For example, the bill adds using an illegal substance, abusing alcohol, or using a controlled substance while a child is in utero to the definition of a neglected juvenile. 

Criminalizing substance use during pregnancy does not help achieve healthy birth outcomes, and can actually prevent women from accessing health care services and treatment during the critical prenatal time period.