Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: In the late 1980s many urban areas reported a serious illicit drug epidemic among pregnant women.In New York City, reports of perinatal illicit drug use on birth certificates more than doubled be- tween 1985 and 1987.The rapid increase in drug use coincided with the introduc- tion of crack, a highly addictive, smokable form of cocaine.Epidemiologic studies conducted by the New York City Health Department indicate that prenatal expo- sure to illicit drugs is associated with excess infant mortality rates and very high rates of low birthweight.Health Depart- ment outreach staff noted that on initial contact, more than 20% of their pregnant clients acknowledged drug use, and many expressed a desire to seek drug treatment.Unfortunately, the desire to participate in drug treatment was impeded by a lack of programs providing services to pregnant women.In 1989, the Health Department's Bureau of Maternity Ser- vices and Family Planning decided to
Authors: S V LaFrance, J Mitchell, K Damus, C Driver, G Roman, E Graham, L Schwartz
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2399371587