The report, "Life Sentences: Denying Welfare Benefits to Women Convicted of Drug Offenses", concludes that welfare reform and the war on drugs have resulted in negative consequences for low-income women, particularly African-American and Hispanic women.

Under the 1996 welfare-reform law, anyone convicted of a state or federal felony offense for using or selling drugs is prohibited for life from receiving cash assistance and food stamps.

The report found that the law presents numerous barriers for women, among them hindering their ability to overcome their drug addiction, receive an education, and become self-sufficient. In addition, the report found that the lifetime welfare ban creates a serious impact on the psychological and emotional well-being of mothers and their children.

With the welfare-reform act up for reauthorization this year, the report recommended that Congress hold hearings and consider the immediate repeal of the lifetime-ban provision.

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