COCAINE AND PREGNANCY

To the Editor:
Re "Woman Is Convicted of Killing Her Fetus by Smoking Cocaine" (news
article, May 18): There are numerous causes of fetal demise.

Many are related to what pregnant women put in their bodies a " both
illegal and, far more commonly, legal substances like alcohol, nicotine and
excessive amounts of salt and sugar.

It is usually difficult, and frequently impossible, to determine the
precise causes of fetal death. The prosecution of Regina McKnight was an
outrage, and her conviction (after 15 minutes of deliberation) a travesty.

Beyond having a devastating impact on her and her children (one as yet
unborn), this case seriously undermines the legitimate societal goal of
insuring the best maternal and child health. The threat of prosecution for
murder based on medical or behavioral factors of pregnant women will cause
those who need prenatal care the most to avoid it.

Robert G. Newman, M.D.
New York, May 18, 2001

The writer is director, Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Chemical Dependency
Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center.