The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges for those who care for pregnant women with a history of substance use disorder. An article in STAT points out that corona virus-related stress, economic distress, and isolation are significant risk factors for relapse, and for women facing a difficult time in the months after giving birth it can be especially trying without proper resources.
Yet closures of facilities and the advent of telehealth treatment make essential social connections and personal contact that can ease tensions, much more challenging to obtain. A number of organizations are addressing this problem, and more must be done to facilitate the support systems and access to treatment for pregnant women struggling with substance abuse.
Meanwhile, the Guardian publishes an opinion piece from New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan, demanding to know more about the 2006 Justice Department decision not to prosecute Purdue Pharma for its alleged role in fueling the opioid epidemic. According to newly released documents, the Justice Department was about to indict the opioid maker for mail and wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy in pushing opioids, but then let the company off with a slap on the wrist after intense lobbying from, among others, Rudy Giuliani. Hassan wants to know why the more serious charges were dropped—allowing Purdue to continue selling opioids in huge quantities and therefore contributing to the epidemic and the deaths of thousands from overdose.