PERCEPTION OF CASE IS FAR FROM TRUTH

In the aftermath of the successful prosecution of Regina McKnight in the
death of her unborn child, several organizations have criticized our decision.

These organizations have argued that such a prosecution will drive addicts
away from treatment and prenatal care. Nothing could be more inaccurate.

I believe it's essential for the community, particularly those in our
community who suffer an addiction to drugs or alcohol, to understand the
15th Circuit solicitor's policy of amnesty for pregnant women who suffer
from an addiction.

Any pregnant woman with an addiction to illegal drugs who is willing to
participate in treatment during her pregnancy, is granted amnesty from
prosecution for child abuse and neglect.

The attorney general has assembled a team of treatment professionals from
the Department of Social Services, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug
Abuse Services and other agencies known as the Response Team for Drug
Impaired Infants.

The primary role of this Response Team is to review each of these cases and
to recommend a treatment plan, but their primary objective is to protect
the life of the mother and child.

By holding McKnight accountable for her actions, I am hopeful that other
pregnant women with dangerous addictions will better understand their legal
obligations to their unborn children and will seek treatment before it's
too late.

We will continue our long-standing policy of encouraging treatment first.

However, we will also continue to hold accountable anyone that, through
abuse or neglect, kills a child.

Children, particularly unborn children, are the most vulnerable members of
our society, and as adults we have not only a legal obligation, but also an
ethical and moral obligation, to care for them.