Summary
Racial disparities in pregnancy criminalization and child protective services involvement highlight systemic inequalities in how different racial groups are treated within the healthcare and legal systems. Research indicates that Black and Indigenous pregnant individuals face heightened scrutiny and are more frequently subjected to criminal charges for behaviors related to substance use during pregnancy, despite evidence showing that they are less likely to test positive for illegal substances compared to their white counterparts.
The increased surveillance of pregnant individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, is reflected in the data collected by organizations like Pregnancy Justice. For instance, nearly three-quarters of the cases documented involved low-income pregnant people, with a significant portion of those charged being white, while Black and Indigenous individuals were overrepresented in the context of child protective services involvement. Studies have shown that Black women are disproportionately tested for illegal substances during pregnancy, contributing to a cycle of criminalization and systemic oppression. This dynamic is exacerbated by the historical context of racialized policing and healthcare, where the legacy of past stigmatization continues to influence current practices and policies. The implications of these disparities extend beyond individual cases, affecting overall maternal and infant health outcomes in states with high rates of pregnancy criminalization, particularly among Black and Indigenous populations.
New report shows more than 200 pregnant people have faced criminal charges since Dobbs decision
Oct. 3 / Salon / Documents over 200 pregnancy criminalization cases, emphasizing racial disparities and the historical context of surveillance in healthcare. It provides a critical analysis of legal frameworks, making connections to broader reproductive rights issues. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Police responded to a call that a pregnant woman was overdosing . When they arrived, they administered Narcan , the...
OK represents nearly one-third of pregnancy-related prosecutions a year after Dobbs
Oct. 1 / Raw Story / Highlights Oklahoma's alarming rate of pregnancy-related prosecutions post-Dobbs, offering a detailed examination of systemic issues, legal precedents, and the implications for marginalized communities. The piece effectively draws on expert insights to underscore the intersection of criminalization and healthcare access. “ Oklahoma had the second-highest number of pregnancy-related prosecutions nationwide in the year after Roe. v. Wade was overturned, according to a new study...