At the outset, the story identifies two broad public views toward parental substance abuse: that it is either a public health problem or voluntary and illegal act. The damage drug or alcohol consumption can have on the developing fetus also is explained, and the story briefly discusses legal and policy approaches that have been used to discourage drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy. The story concludes with a clear message that children's health and well-being should trump other concerns as well as a reminder that all communities face different public health obstacles and that each one must identify and establish preventative strategies essential for ensuring children's safety.
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