The Utah State Legislature is currently considering House Bill 216, which deals with children born with fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal drug dependency. Simply stated, the bill says that women with addiction issues should be required to receive treatment after giving birth or they will not be allowed to be reunited with their newborn.

As a substance abuse professional, I think the bill's basic premise is sound, but the proposed legislation has major flaws.

First, it discriminates against women, since men are not similarly punished for behavior that results in the poor health of infants.

Second, the bill excludes prescription drugs that are lawfully prescribed, even though they may be abused — a significant factor, considering that Utah leads the nation for prescription abuse.

Third, the bill refers to dependency for drugs that produce a withdrawal syndrome. The problem is that stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana don't result in a significant withdrawal syndrome.

I encourage lawmakers to consider factors like these and to consult with addiction counselors on how the bill can be made more equitable and helpful to mothers and fathers in terms of dealing with addiction.

Jeremy Boberg

Sandy