Women Who Use Drugs and Maternal Care

Women who use drugs face particular risks. Many women begin to inject drugs in the context of heterosexual relationships, often leading to dependency on male partners. Women are more likely than men to borrow or share needles. Women who use drugs are also at increased risk of domestic violence and abuse.

While drug use is widely stigmatized, women who use drugs often violate cultural norms by engaging in behavior that is considered un-feminine. This perception may further undermine their parental rights, or access to services including methadone treatment during pregnancy.

For use by health practitioners and human rights advocates, this case study examines the role of human rights standards in addressing these problems. It presents real-world scenarios, explores benefits and risks, and poses questions for discussion and debate.