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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 31, 2018 01:07 PM
From:	Senator Donald C. White
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Protecting unborn children from illegal drug use during pregnancy

Based on the recent Supreme Court decision that the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) does not recognize fetuses as children, I will soon introduce legislation to address what I believe to be a grave consequence of their ruling. My legislation will be designed to specifically address situations where a pregnant woman knowingly and willfully takes illegal drugs. The controlled substances as defined in The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, will be applied under this legislation. By further defining "child abuse" to include circumstances when a child tests positive for a controlled substance at birth, we will allow our Children Youth and Protective Services Authorities to quickly and confidently act in a manner they deem to be in the best interests of a child. This legislation will mirror what is introduced in SB 753 of 2011, by Sen. Pat Vance. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

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