State Directive Targets Drug-Exposed Newborns
In early July, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a directive requiring the state's child welfare department to seek custody of all newborns identified with in-utero exposure to drugs or alcohol. This policy immediately generated confusion and concern among various groups, particularly Native American communities.
Questions Arise Regarding Policy Scope
Following the announcement, families began questioning how the directive would be applied. Parents undergoing addiction recovery, for example, wondered if medications like methadone would lead to state intervention. Healthcare providers also sought clarification on whether medical procedures, such as epidurals containing fentanyl, would be considered drug exposure under the new rule.
Native American Tribes Express Alarm
Native American tribes and advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the directive, arguing that it disrespects tribal sovereignty. This concern is rooted in a complex and painful history of Indigenous child removals by state and federal authorities, which has significantly impacted Native families and communities. Critics contend that the new policy could exacerbate these historical traumas and undermine tribal efforts to maintain jurisdiction over their children's welfare.
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