Pregnant Cocaine User Detained

Alcoholism

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Alcoholism

Pregnant Cocaine User Detained

Authorities have detained a Racine woman to protect her fetus, the first exclusive use of Wisconsin's new "cocaine mom" law, although some are calling the tactic unconstitutional.

Ironically, she was ordered detained by Circuit Judge Wayne Marik, who in a separate hearing minutes later released from jail Deborah Zimmerman. Zimmerman's alleged fetal abuse case three years ago in which she tried to drink her fetus to death was one of the cases that prompted passage of the law.

In that case, Zimmerman was found not guilty of harming her unborn child even though she told hospital personnel that she tried to get drunk enough on the day she gave birth to "kill this thing."

In this week's case, 29-year-old mother of two is accused of using cocaine during her pregnancy, which is in its second trimester. This is apparently the first detention of a pregnant woman using only the "cocaine mom" law, since the woman has not been charged with a crime.

Not 'Punitive'

Washington County authorities in Wisconsin used the law in February to try to protect the fetus of a woman who had been convicted three times of drunken driving. But she was already in jail.

"The important thing is this woman will be getting treatment," Rep. Bonnie Ladwig, one of the law's co-sponsors, told reporters. "She won't be using drugs through the rest of the pregnancy and, hopefully, now will have a chance to lead a normal life."

"The law is designed to provide services. It's not designed to be punitive," Assistant District Attorney Randy Schneider said.

The "cocaine mom" law raises concern about personal liberty. Detaining a person as a preventive measure is "a very suspect use of authority by the state," said Peter Koneazny, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin.

Weekly Survey

What do you think? In cases where the pregnant woman is an alcoholic or drug addict should the authorities step in to protect the unborn child? What if it was your spouse, daughter, or sister involved? Would you try to intervene?

About.com Poll

More Information

Alcohol and Pregnancy
Some experts say moderate drinking during pregnancy is okay, but there are others who believe taking even one drink is like playing Russian Roulette with your baby's health.
Issues for Women
Women who abuse alcohol, or even occasionally drink to excess, face greater risks to their health than their male counterparts.
Pregnancy Resources
Find a wealth of information and resources about pregnancy at the About.com Pregnancy site, from your Guide Robin Weiss.