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New Bill Will Help Pregnant Addicts Get Treatment

A new bill in the state legislature could help encourage drug addicted pregnant women to seek help without fear of losing their babies. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.  

The legislation creates something of a safe haven, making sure women who are referred to or choose to take part in an addiction program don’t automatically lose their soon to be born babies, by doing so.

Republican Representative Doug Green of Mount Orab near Cincinnati said this bill hits home for him - he had a pregnant family member who was addicted to drugs, sought help through treatment, but still lost custody of her baby.

“We don’t need to be a hindrance to someone who maybe can find an opportunity to get better,” said Green.

Supporters say this bill could help reduce the number of babies who go through painful withdrawal after they’re born, along with helping the mother with her addiction and keeping families together.

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