Shekelia T. Ward gave birth Jan. 8 at Andalusia Regional Hospital, and the next day she was arrested, jailed and charged with chemical endangerment of a child, a felony.
The reason: Ward and her newborn both tested positive for cocaine, and the hospital reported the information to authorities as evidence of possible child abuse.
Ward's experience is the product of a new law that has some prosecutors, particularly in southeast Alabama, arresting new mothers who test positive for illicit drugs. The prosecutors began filing these charges after the state Legislature in 2006 made it illegal to "chemically endanger" a child.
These are undoubtedly addicts. They are sick. Arresting them and charging them with a crime is inhuman. God.
And look at this:
But he acknowledged the law has some problems and needs clarification. Originally proposed to prosecute parents who exposed children to toxins associated with methamphetamine production, it doesn't mention pregnant women or their babies.
"It's obviously a close call under the law," Gambril said.
It's a close call? Like charging some with battery for having a pack of Evereadys. Unbelievable.
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