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Racial Disparities in Infant Drug Testing: A Research Note

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Black infants were tested for drug exposure at more than twice the rate of White infants. Among those tested, both groups had similar positive rates-approximately 20%. Clinical risk factors explain only 38% of the racial disparity in testing rates. The remaining 61% may reflect differential treatment or unmeasured clinician observations. These findings raise concerns about fairness and trust in clinical decision-making.

Source: Demography

DOI: 10.1215/00703370-12902176

Authors: Mallory Dreyer, Cydney M. McGuire, Jennifer M. Silva, Kosali Simon, Coady Wing, Engy Ziedan

Institutions: Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University

Language: English

Topic: Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,750

OpenAlex ID: W7225759537

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