Would More Research Help Prevent Opioid Abuse by Pregnant Mothers? (S. 799)

What is S. 799?

(Updated March 15, 2018)

This bill was enacted on November 25, 2015

 This bill would require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to report on prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome. The purpose of this is to identify barriers to treatment for mothers who have abused opioids like heroin or pain medications, and their unborn children who were exposed to the substances in the womb. Neonatal abstinence syndrome is the effects of opioid withdrawal experienced by newborn children.

The AHRQ’s report would include:

• An assessment of existing research on neonatal abstinence syndrome;

• An evaluation of the causes, and barriers to treatment, of opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age;

• An evaluation of treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorders and infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome;

• Recommendations for preventing, identifying, and treating opioid dependency in women and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

The Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) would be required to review its current activities related to prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome. It would then develop a strategy to address gaps in research and programs that deal with these issues.

Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be required to provide technical assistance to states in order to improve neonatal abstinence syndrome tracking. That tracking data would be made available to the public.

Argument in favor

As heroin and other opioids have become more widely available, the prevalence of abuse by pregnant mothers has increased — tragically harming their unborn child. Increased research would allow for a better-informed strategy to combat this growing threat.

Argument opposed

The sad truth of this situation is that there will always be drug abuse that negatively impacts the health of mothers and their unborn or infant children. It is unrealistic to think that the government will eliminate it, so those efforts should be left to private groups.

Impact

Mothers who have abused opioids and their newborn children, HHS, the CDC, and AHRQ.

Cost of S. 799

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

 In-Depth: The lead sponsor of the Senate version of this legislation, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), cited the disturbing increase in opioid abuse in an introductory press release:

“Researchers estimate that more than one baby every hour is now born dependent on drugs and suffering from withdrawal. This statistic is just heart-breaking. These children are the most innocent members of our society, and we have to protect them.”

Media:

• Cosponsoring Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Press Release
• Boston Globe (Op-Ed In Favor)
• American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (In Favor)
• March of Dimes (In Favor)