The stakes for how we talk about pregnancy and substance use are incredibly high.

Stigmatizing language contributes to harmful narratives that keep people from getting the treatment and support they need for themselves and their families. Racist and sexist narratives about pregnant people who use substances and their children contribute to the disproportionate criminalization and separation of Black and Indigenous families by child welfare services. Those injustices reverberate from state legislatures to doctors’ offices to the nightly news.

We have a responsibility to do better, using an approach that respects people’s journeys and elevates effective solutions.

This resource for advocates, providers, and policymakers offers guidance that promotes health and well-being, is grounded in evidence, and tells stories of pregnant people who use drugs and alcohol with compassion, humility and accuracy.