Every 15 minutes, a baby is born in the U.S. with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a withdrawal syndrome newborns may experience after being exposed to certain drugs (such as opioids) in the womb. A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health shows that almost half of pregnant rural women with opioid use disorder (OUD) give birth in rural hospitals, which are not all equipped to handle their complex medical needs. Some rural hospitals do not have the resources, infrastructure, or workforce to provide the necessary round-the-clock care to young victims of the opioid epidemic that are experiencing withdrawal after birth.
According to the study, in rural areas, both maternal OUD and NAS diagnoses increased from 2007-2014. Women who use opioids while pregnant put their children at risk of developing NAS. Short-term health problems associated with NAS include diarrhea, vomiting, high fevers, and seizures, which can occur for up to six months after birth. Long-term, infants with NAS may also have behavioral, developmental, and other health problems.
If you or a loved one were harmed during the labor and delivery process, please call us at 877-262-9767.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.