Laws Against Pregnant Mothers Smoking, Using Drugs
Posted: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
The chances of damaging an unborn child from smoking tobacco, taking/using drugs and such, are many and very dangerous. A number of states have laws invoking punishment upon those mothers who damage a child in this manner. Yet, this practice is highly controversial. Both sides of the discussion have very obvious points to consider but resolving them is not so easy. Let us examine and discuss methamphetamine for our example. A growing and already very popular drug among those who participate in such things.
Psychosis: A symptom or feature of mental illness typically characterized by radical changes in personality, impaired functioning, and a distorted or non-existent sense of objective reality.
Irritability: Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish: petulant
Anxiety: A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.
Increased blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure with numerous adverse side effects.
Increased sweating and heart rate.
Insomnia and paranoia: Sleeplessness. Paranoia is an unfounded or exaggerated distrust of others, sometimes reaching delusional proportions.
Mental and physical exhaustion.
Deep depression and suicidal tendencies.
Decreased cognitive abilities such as memory, judgment, reasoning, and verbal learning.
The above problems which can arise from use of methamphetamine are not associated with the high which one may feel upon taking the drug, but are disorders which may result to the system from the use of it. It would appear that anyone who gives any thought to their future health and well being would never even experiment with such drugs.
But those factors listed above are not the only final results but themselves cause many undesirable reactions. These may include emotional issues such as non-caring about personal hygiene, dental hygiene, financial matters and so on. These may be even more crucial during pregnancy. Proper dental care is of utmost importance for the mother's well being.
And any of these listed problems above are as likely to affect the unborn child as they do the mother.
And another factor, a person who uses the drug is more susceptible to exposure and contracting a sexually transferred disease, which is an additional danger to the unborn child.
But now, that we have recognized the inexcusable dangers involved in such a lifestyle, what is to be done and who is guilty or simply an unfortunate addict who cannot control her own activities. Who needs help desperately.
All have their own ideas and philosophies concerning this dilemma. We may try to be merciful towards the addicted one but still cannot forget the totally innocent life of the fetus. It is all heartbreaking.
It would seem that a strong drive should be put forth to identify these situations as early as possible and force them into rehab. It seems somewhat futile to imprison someone, after the fact, regardless of where the fault lies. If, it is unknown until after the birth of the child, it might be more humane and fruitful to sentence someone to whatever length of time is required to be completely rehabilitated and thoroughly indoctrinated as to their future responsibilities.
This Article has been viewed 849 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.