The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee this week approved the measure introduced by Sen. Tim Wooldridge (D-Paragould) after hearing testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters claimed that illicit-drug users are more likely to abuse their children than individuals who use alcohol or tobacco at home.

A woman with two grandchildren born addicted to drugs spoke in favor of the legislation. "This is not about revenge," said Betty Stahl. "This is about other babies who are out there."

But David Deere of the Pulaski County Community Action Group said, "My heart wants to support this bill. My head says we have to be careful about the unintended consequences." Deere said the fear of neglect charges might frighten addicted mothers away from seeking health care.

"You're giving them the alternative to either stop using drugs or stop going to get health care," said Rita Sklar of the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Do we really want babies born in homes, alleys and hotel rooms?"

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