In this scenario, the mother and baby would have to receive treatment as a requirement. With this option, the fear that mothers will relapse is not nearly as high because of the consequences involved, and expecting women should not be as afraid to show at their prenatal appointments since testing positive for drugs will not immediately result in prosecution. This will be especially beneficial to mothers who want to be rehabilitated, but need extra support to get there. One of the few drawbacks with this strategy would be the amount of money the state may or may not save. If some mothers do not comply with the mandatory treatment the state may end up spending more money prosecuting than it would offering treatment, but this is only if the mothers do not comply. The scenario which plans for drug testing, mandatory treatment, and possible prosecution would produce the maximum amount of benefits for all participants. The fear of prosecution may prevent mothers from relapsing or from repeating drug use during another pregnancy, and would save the state as well as taxpayers, an incredible amount of money by preventing these drug-addicted
In this scenario, the mother and baby would have to receive treatment as a requirement. With this option, the fear that mothers will relapse is not nearly as high because of the consequences involved, and expecting women should not be as afraid to show at their prenatal appointments since testing positive for drugs will not immediately result in prosecution. This will be especially beneficial to mothers who want to be rehabilitated, but need extra support to get there. One of the few drawbacks with this strategy would be the amount of money the state may or may not save. If some mothers do not comply with the mandatory treatment the state may end up spending more money prosecuting than it would offering treatment, but this is only if the mothers do not comply. The scenario which plans for drug testing, mandatory treatment, and possible prosecution would produce the maximum amount of benefits for all participants. The fear of prosecution may prevent mothers from relapsing or from repeating drug use during another pregnancy, and would save the state as well as taxpayers, an incredible amount of money by preventing these drug-addicted