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 allSeptember 20, 2023
Associations between state-level general population alcohol policies and drinking outcomes among women of reproductive age: Results from 1984 to 2020 National Alcohol Surveys
Subbaraman MS, Sesline K, Kerr W, Roberts SCM. Associations between state-level general population alcohol policies and drinking outcomes among women of reproductive age: Results from 1984 to 2020 National Alcohol Surveys. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. September 2023; https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.15156.
August 24, 2023
Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA
Berglas NF, Subbaraman MS, Thomas S, Roberts SCM. Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA. Alcohol and Alcoholism. August 2023; https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agad056.