Question

Because it harms fetuses/babies so much, should it be illegal to smoke, drink or use drugs during pregnancy? Be sure to fully explain your answer, as well as be able to provide some critique of your own position, addressing any potential problems with it (such as, issues of autonomy, enforcement, results of incarceration of pregnant women, etc.).

Answer 1

Should it be illegal? Well, as a medical professional i would appreciate it if it was illegal as drinking, smoking and using drugs may not affect the mother as much but affects an innocent life who also has all the rights to live a normal life in this world.

Using such items during pregnancy can affect the cognitive as well as physical developent of the newborn.

Developing babies in the womb cannot process alcohol like the mother especially in the first few months as that is the time organs start developing.

Certain organs like the retina of the fetus is sensitive to alcohol.

Alcohol causes miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and even defects in fetuses.

With that being said, enforcing this law can be controlled in public but not in private. Unless the mother takes the decision to stop drinking alcohol it cannot be controlled. Also incarceration of a pregnant woman is a sad thing. Putting a pregnant woman behind bars for drinking alcohol is definitely a bit emotional as a women during pregnancy sacrifices and suffers a lot.

But considering the after results to a new healthy generation and for the protection and well being of the young ones that can built a healthy and successful nation such sacrifices and law enforcement is only a benefit.

P. S. PLEASE DROP A LIKE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT. THANKS.