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Meth-Using Mom Charged
January 4, 2006

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News Summary

A Springfield, Mo., woman faces criminal charges after admitting that she used methamphetamine days before giving birth to her daughter, the Springfield News-Leader reported Dec. 29.

Both Sarah Weese, 19, and her infant tested positive for the drug; Weese faces felony child-endangerment charges, and Greene County Assistant Prosecutor Jill Patterson said the case was part of a new crackdown on women who use illicit drugs during late pregnancy. Patterson said she developed the campaign after talking to doctors and police; the initial focus will be on meth and cocaine users.

"There has to be a pretty clear relationship between the risks (posed by the mother's behavior) and the effects on the child," she said. "If you're using meth close to birth, there are very immediate risks."

Weese's drug use came to light through toxicology tests administered while she was in the hospital to give birth.

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