Although many programs have been implemented to prevent and improve access to treatment for opioid addiction, there is not much discussion on the effects the epidemic has had on its smallest victims. Expectant mothers with opioid-related diagnoses documented at delivery increased by 131% from 2010-2017, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The incidence of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) increased by 82% nationally over the same period.
Babies are at…
