The criminalization of substance use during pregnancy is a reproductive justice issue and a public health concern. People with capacity for pregnancy are at risk for being criminalized under laws around substance use and pregnancy that aim to punish and control pregnant people and their pregnancy outcomes. The criminalization of substance use fits into a larger pattern of criminalizing all pregnancy outcomes, and myths about substance use and pregnancy inform dangerous policy which is used to put pregnant people in jail.

Join us as we discuss how pervasive myths about substance use and pregnancy evolve into policy, shape stigma, and lead to criminalizing all pregnancy outcomes.

Confirmed speakers:

– Purvaja Kavattur, Research and Program Associate for National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW)

– Joelle Puccio, BSN RN and Director of Education for the Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction