Hospitals gave patients meds during childbirth, then reported them for drug use

Hospitals across the U.S. are facing scrutiny for reporting mothers to child welfare authorities after administering medications during childbirth that later resulted in positive drug tests. An investigation by The Marshall Project and Reveal highlighted cases where women, like Amairani Salinas and Victoria Villanueva, were reported for drug use after receiving routine medications such as benzodiazepines and narcotics during labor. These reports often stem from drug tests that detect substances administered by medical staff, leading to unnecessary investigations and emotional distress for the mothers. The practice has raised concerns about the increasing surveillance of pregnant women, particularly following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Critics argue that hospitals lack adequate policies to review patient medication histories before reporting, resulting in false positives and misinterpretations. Some hospitals have begun to change their policies, emphasizing the need for medical necessity in drug testing and halting automatic reporting of positive results. The investigation revealed that many healthcare providers are not trained to interpret drug tests accurately, leading to further complications in understanding the implications of positive results. The situation has prompted calls for reform in how hospitals handle drug testing and reporting, with advocates urging a focus on patient care rather than punitive measures.

- Hospitals report mothers to child welfare after administering medications during childbirth.

- Positive drug tests often result from medications given by healthcare providers.

- Increased scrutiny of pregnant women has emerged since the end of Roe v. Wade.

- Many hospitals lack policies to review medication histories before reporting.

- Calls for reform emphasize patient care over punitive actions.