criminalizing drug use during pregnancy

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How Often Does Child Welfare Call Police in Your State for Positive Drug Tests at Birth?

The Marshall Project found 70,000+ allegations of pregnancy drug use referred to law enforcement, often based on unreliable drug tests.

Feature • 02.18.2026

Having a Baby? 5 Tips to Avoid Problems From Flawed Drug Testing at the Hospital

Hospitals routinely use unreliable drug tests at childbirth, and many parents are reported to child welfare agencies and the police. Here’s what you can do.

Feature • 02.13.2026

Tens of Thousands of Mothers Were Flagged to Police Over Flawed Drug Tests at Childbirth

The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that’s a significant undercount.

Feature • 02.10.2026

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