Adopted as Amended 2017-4
RESOLUTION
Subject: Submitted by: Referred to:
Addiction and Pregnancy Greater Louisville Medical Society Reference Committee
WHEREAS, the Kentucky Medical Association( KMA) recognizes that drug addiction is a disease amenable to treatment rather than a criminal activity; and
WHEREAS, the KMA forewarns the Kentucky state government and the public at large that there are extremely serious implications of drug addiction during pregnancy and there is a pressing need for adequate maternal drug treatment and family supportive child protective services; and
WHEREAS, the KMA affirms the following statement: Pregnant patients with substance use disorders should be provided with physician-led care that is evidence-based and offers the ancillary and supportive services that are necessary to support rehabilitation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Kentucky Medical Association oppose legislation that seeks to impose criminal liability related to maternal drug addiction during pregnancy or transplacental drug transfer; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Kentucky Medical Association oppose legislation that requires physicians to gather and report private personal health information to law enforcement agencies in furtherance of investigations or prosecution related to maternal drug addiction during pregnancy or transplacental drug transfer; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Kentucky Medical Association, through its communication vehicles, provide information to increase knowledge regarding the effects of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy and the value of routinely inquiring about alcohol and drug use in the course of providing prenatal care.
KMA House of Delegates August 2017