Women who use illicit drugs during pregnancy could face criminal charges if the Idaho legislature passes a bill now under consideration, the Idaho State Journal reported Feb. 16.

Bill sponsor Sen. Denton Darrington (R-Declo) wants to make it a felony for a pregnant woman to ingest marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine, or other drugs; penalties would include up to five years in prison or a $50,000 fine, but Darrington also includes the option of attending drug court rather than incarceration.

Supporters like Cassia County Prosecutor Al Barrus said the law's intent is to protect children. "What would we do if we found out a 2-year-old or 8-year-old child had been given meth?" he said. "We would go ballistic. We don't want a bill just to send people to jail -- we want healthy babies."

But critics, including some Idaho pediatricians, say the plan could lead to more abortions and fewer women seeking prenatal care. Others, like Bannock County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dennis Wilkinson, remain on the fence. "I do worry that some women in the drug culture would be discouraged from seeking medical attention, but the bottom line is we've got to protect the fetus," he said. "I've gone both ways in my mind."