Birth Defects Caused By Substance Abuse

Each year there are 600,060 children born with birth defects caused by substance abuse in America alone. That is equal to the entire state of North Dakota, not given the chance of living a healthy life. Pregnant women often abuse substances such as Cigarettes, Alcohol, Methemphetamines, and Marijuana. The most common substances abused in West Michigan are Cigarettes and Alcohol. Women often think that these substances are not harmful because they are legal, but they are mistaken. These substances lead to a lot of health issues within the childs life. They may suffer from brain damage, heart damage, asthma, and learning disabilities. The damage done throughout the pregnancy cannot be taken back.

Currently, women do not get tested for abusing drugs until the child is already born, or they have a history of drug abuse. By then the damage is usually already done. We need to test women at their first doctors appointment where they verify pregnancy. If the women test positive, they need to be mandated by law to attend therapy and continue to take drug tests. A study done by Judith Lumley at Michigan State University states that women will not get help unless required to do so.

After conducting interviews, job shadowing, and spending countless hours investigating this topic and analyzing possible solutions, this is the most effective solution. Birth defects caused by substance abuse are 100% preventable. It's time for us to take a stand.