Proposed Law Would Make Pregnancy Drug Screens Optional in New York

This article was published in Rochester First.

“ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers and health advocates rallied at the State Capitol on Tuesday to back the Maternal Health, Dignity, and Consent Act. That proposed bill, S845/A860, would block tests of pregnant people and newborns for drugs, alcohol, or weed without informed consent, meaning clear permission from the test subject.

Under the measure, doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care workers can’t drug test someone who is pregnant or who gave birth within the past year without their specific written and spoken consent. The same rule would apply to testing new parents and newborns, with a parent or guardian required to sign off and voice permission.”