Rapid Rise in Overdose Deaths Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women

A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that the mortality ratio tied to overdoses among pregnant and postpartum women ages 35 to 44 has more than tripled, with opioids, particularly fentanyl, being the primary cause. The majority of these overdose deaths occurred outside of healthcare settings, highlighting the need for improved community outreach and maternal medical support. The study emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based interventions and nonpunitive approaches to incentivize pregnant and postpartum women to seek substance use disorder treatments, as the fear of child custody loss contributes to the stigma surrounding drug use during pregnancy.