Pregnant women who’re taking drugs could be forced into a treatment programif a bill that cleared an Iowa Senate Committee becomes law. Senator DavidMiller of Libertyville says it’s part of an overall effort to protectchildren. Miller says babies exposed to drugs and alcohol in the womb areoften deformed or brain damaged. Miller says stepping in and stopping apregnant woman’s substance abuse might save society money in the long run. Miller says pregnant women found guilty of abusing their unborn childwith drugs or alcohol wouldn’t be put in prison, they’d be sent to a live-insubstance abuse treatment program. The bill cleared the Senate JudiciaryCommittee on a seven to six vote and will next be considered by the fullSenate.
