AUTHOR'S DEFEND 'COCAINE MOM' LEGISLATION

This is in response to the Dec. 5 guest column by Dr Richard L. Brown,
which had several misconceptions about Assembly Bill 463- the "cocaine mom"
bill. As the authors of the bill, we want to stress that its intent is to
prevent serious physical harm to unborn children caused by severe and
untreated alcohol or drug abuse by expectant mothers. The bill is aimed at
providing treatment to addicted expectant women who, for whatever reason,
have refused to seek or accept any type of treatment for their problem.

It addresses only the worst-case scenario of a pregnant woman habitually
substance-abusing and refusing any type of treatment for herself and her
unborn child.

The bill does not allow judges to jail pregnant women. Mothers will not
become criminals, be thrown into jail or be stricken with harsh sanctions
under this legislation. It simply allows child protection officials to seek
a court order for alcohol and drug abuse treatment for an abusing mother in
an effort to protect her innocent unborn child.

During the proceedings on the "cocaine mom" bill, it was brought to our
attention many times that this bill could deter women from seeking prenatal
care or substance abuse for fear of being reported. This concern was
addressed in an amendment to the bill that eliminates reporting
requirements by alcohol or drug abuse counselors and health care providers
as long as the substance-abusing mother is seeking treatment.

This legislation is also intended to protect families and society' from the
tremendous cost that results from severe alcohol and drug abuse during all
stages of pregnancy. The burdens placed health care services, social
service agencies, schools and the criminal justice system are overwhelming.
The bill can help protect society from the social costs of fetal alcohol
syndrome and cocaine babies.

According to a study published in the Journal of American Medical
Association, fetal alcohol syndrome alone is the leading known cause of
mental retardation in America. Also, it is found that cocaine use during
pregnancy can cause low birth weight, decreased head circumference,
miscarriage, premature birth, brain damage and cocaine addiction of the
baby upon birth.

Wisconsin was reported to have the highest rate of drinking of women of
childbearing age, which makes these facts even more alarming and the need
for this bill even greater.

Providing more funding for substance abuse and prevention treatment
programs will not help women addressed under this bill. The legislation
focuses only on the few hardcore cases of substance abusing mothers who
absolutely refuse treatment. The "cocaine mom" bill was developed to
address the problem of the nine-month pregnant mother who is admittedly
drinking to kill her baby and the eight-month pregnant mother who
repeatedly tests positive for cocaine use. It does not cover mothers during
the entire terms of their pregnancies.

Under the bill, only pregnant women showing a consistent and extreme
pattern of abusive behavior toward the fetus they have chosen to carry and
who have refused to seek treatment for their substance abuse would be
effected.

State Sen. Joanne Huelsman is a Republican who represents the 11th Senate
District in Washington, Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Rock counties.
State Rep. Bonnie Ladwig is a Republican representing the 63rd Assembly
District in Racine County.