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 allOctober 12, 2022
Relationship between mandatory warning signs for cannabis use during pregnancy policies and birth outcomes in the Western United States
Roberts SCM, Raifman S, Biggs MA. Relationship between mandatory warning signs for cannabis use during pregnancy policies and birth outcomes in the Western United States. Preventative Medicine. October 2022; DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107297.
June 2, 2022
Health care provider decision-making around prenatal substance use reporting
Roberts SCM, Claudia Zaugg, MPH, Martinez N. Health care provider decision-making around prenatal substance use reporting. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. June 2022; DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109514.