Jade Dass, a mother from Arizona, lost custody of her newborn daughter after following medical advice to manage her opioid addiction during pregnancy. This situation highlights a growing concern regarding the intersection of healthcare and child welfare policy, particularly for mothers who seek treatment for substance use disorders.
According to scientific studies and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using medication to address opioid addiction can lead to positive outcomes for both mothers and their children. Despite these recommendations, after delivering a healthy baby, Dass faced an investigation by the Arizona Department of Child Safety, which resulted in her separation from her child.
“I just couldn’t believe it, that people would act like this,” Dass expressed, reflecting on the distressing experience. “Like how they couldn’t see—it’s, like, you have no humanity if you’re gonna take someone’s baby.” Her case is part of a broader trend where women are reported to child welfare agencies for using prescribed medications during pregnancy, illuminating the challenges faced by mothers in recovery.
To quantify this issue, reporter Shoshana Walter and data reporter Melissa Lewis, along with a team from Reveal, submitted 100 public records requests. Their investigation led to the compilation of the first comprehensive tally of cases where women have been reported for taking prescription drugs while pregnant. This research underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of addiction treatment and its implications for family dynamics.
A Struggle for Custody and Understanding
This week, Reveal featured Dass’s ongoing battle to regain custody of her daughter. The program followed her as she navigated the emotional turmoil of separation and made a last-ditch effort to keep her family intact. The challenges she faces reflect a critical intersection of health, law, and personal circumstances that many mothers endure, often without adequate support or understanding.
Walter has also transformed some of her findings into a book titled Rehab: An American Scandal, set to release this month. The book promises to delve deeper into the complexities of the addiction treatment industry, shedding light on the systemic issues that can lead to the separation of families in vulnerable situations.
The original episode detailing Dass’s case aired in July 2023, raising awareness about the policies surrounding maternal health and addiction recovery. As more stories emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that the path to support for mothers like Dass is fraught with obstacles that require urgent attention and reform.
In conclusion, the experience of Jade Dass serves as a pivotal example of the broader societal challenges faced by women who seek help for addiction during pregnancy. It highlights the need for compassionate policies that support both maternal health and child welfare, ensuring that families can remain together while receiving the care they need.