The stakes for reporting on pregnancy and substance use are incredibly high.

Stigmatizing language perpetuates 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 contributes 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 offers guidance for coverage 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.