The State : Jail for Mothers of ‘Drug’ Babies

For the first time in California, authorities in Butte County will attempt to prosecute mothers of babies born with illegal drugs in their systems whenever there is a reason to suspect drug use, law enforcement officials said. All three hospitals that deliver babies in Butte County have agreed to notify authorities whenever newborns show traces of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine in their blood or urine. The mothers, who could be arrested at the hospitals, could face jail terms or lose custody of their babies. Child Protective Services officials said 12 to 15 drug-addicted babies are born in the county each month.