Drug and Alcohol Policies and Pregnancy
Drug and Alcohol Policies and Pregnancy
Most U.S. states have policies targeting alcohol, cannabis, or drug use during pregnancy. But ANSIRH research shows that at best, most policies do not affect use during pregnancy or birth outcomes. At worst, some alcohol, cannabis, and drug policies lead to increases in low birthweight and preterm birth, costing millions of dollars each year. They can also lead to decreases in prenatal care use. We’ve found that policies targeting alcohol, cannabis, and drug use during pregnancy can undermine access to health care and other supports for pregnant people.

Research & tools
See allMarch 31, 2025
Trends in U.S. State Alcohol and Other Drug Use During Pregnancy Policies from 2016 to 2020: Policymaking in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Era
Thomas S, Claudia Zaugg, MPH, Roberts SCM. Trends in U.S. State Alcohol and Other Drug Use During Pregnancy Policies from 2016 to 2020: Policymaking in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Era. Substance Use & Misuse. March 2025; https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2447925.
February 6, 2025
Mandatory Warning Signs for Cannabis: Perspectives and Preferences of Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis
Gould H, Claudia Zaugg, MPH, Biggs MA, Woodruff K, Long W, Mailman K, Vega J, Roberts SCM. Mandatory Warning Signs for Cannabis: Perspectives and Preferences of Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. February 2025; https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.23-00214.
January 24, 2025
Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People’s Views on Policies That Punish Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis
Biggs MA, Raifman S, Claudia Zaugg, MPH, Roberts SCM. Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People’s Views on Policies That Punish Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis. Substance Use & Misuse. January 2025; https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2454660.