Addiction & Pregnancy Behind Bars

In this episode, the struggle with addiction faced by pregnant individuals in prison is discussed. The researchers, who found that most states and counties have no laws specifically addressing SUD screening and treatment for those who are pregnant. in correctional facilities, offer a two-pronged approach to addressing this issue. The episode closes with a discussion of the significant potential harm to fetuses due to the lack of such pregnancy care.

Download the one-pager (PDF).

Steely Smith, M. K., Zielinski, M. J., Sufrin, C., Kramer, C. T., Benning, S. J., Laine, R., & Shlafer, R. J. (2023). State laws on substance use treatment for incarcerated pregnant and postpartum people. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 17, 11782218231195556.

This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.