Document Type
Article
Media Type
Text
Abstract
This Commentary identifies prenatal drug exposure of infants as a problem with which our society must come to terms. The judicial system is capable of providing solutions, but a void of appropriate legislation hampers that ability. Among the legal vehicles available are criminal laws, child abuse and neglect laws, civil and criminal injunctions, and involuntary commitment laws. A balancing of the maternal, societal, and fetal interests involved can be accomplished on a case by case basis in the absence of enabling and guiding legislation. However, legislation in this highly sensitive area is a better way. This commentary explores the problem, the possible solution, and suggests an appropriate balancing of interests.
First Page
73
Last Page
118
Publication Date
11-1-1990
Department
College of Law
ISSN
0734-1490
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University Law Review
Recommended Citation
Drendel, Kevin
(1990)
"When Self Abuse Becomes Child Abuse: The Need for Coercive Prenatal Government Action in Response to the Cocaine Baby Problem,"
Northern Illinois University Law Review: Vol. 11:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Suggested Citation
Kevin Drendel, Comment, When Self Abuse Becomes Child Abuse: The Need for Coercive Prenatal Government Action in Response to the Cocaine Baby Problem, 11 N. Ill. U. L. Rev. 73 (1990).
