Prenatal Substance Abuse Commission could be reestablished
INDIANAPOLIS—Sen. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, said she wants to reestablish the Prenatal Substance Abuse Commission with Senate Bill 96.
Errington said the commission was originally established in 2007 and has come to the end of the allotted time span.
Larry Humbert, executive director of the Indiana Prenatal Network, said the commission has done some fine work; such as lowering prematurity rate, and has given the state some traction on the issue, but work still needs to be done.
The commission helps develop and recommend a coordinated plan early and preventive treatment from women who abuse alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, said Humbert.
Dr. David Weaver, a pediatrician, said fetal alcohol syndrome can be prevented if women don’t drink during pregnancy.
Weaver also said there are programs the committee can develop.
The bill passed the Senate Health and Provider Services committee unanimously.
