Hennepin County will no longer prosecute drug use during pregnancy

A new policy in effect at the Hennepin County Attorney's Office ends criminal prosecution of people who engage in drug use during pregnancy.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the new policy Tuesday, stating the change is based on research that shows the current system of prosecution and punishment causes harm to those dealing with substance abuse while pregnant.

"Instead of stopping people who struggle with addiction from using drugs, punitive policies make them afraid to seek the crucial prenatal care, health care, and drug treatment they need,” Moriarty stated.

Under the new policy, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office will no longer charge those who engage in drug use during pregnancy and any pending cases will be dismissed.

The change has been praised by some Democratic state lawmakers, including Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis, who said the policy marks a "crucial step towards dismantling racial disparities in our justice system."

"By focusing on harm reduction and treatment rather than punishment, we can create a safer environment for all families," Agbaje stated. "We urge other counties to follow Hennepin County's lead and implement similar progressive policies."

Dr. Cresta Jones, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School who specializes in high-risk pregnancy care, said the change will be instrumental in optimizing patient care.

"I very much support reducing criminalization of a medical condition in pregnancy, and I know that this allows more patients to feel comfortable coming to prenatal care appointments, which reduces the chance of adverse outcomes for the birthing person and the pregnancy," Jones stated.

Per NBC News , drug overdose is the leading cause of preventable death among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Tuesday's full press conference can be found here: