Massachusetts Hospitals to Stop Reporting Abuse When Babies Test Positive for Drugs

Massachusetts General Brigham officials cited a report by President Biden’s administration as one of the reasons behind the policy change.
Massachusetts Hospitals to Stop Reporting Abuse When Babies Test Positive for Drugs
A doctor examines a pregnant woman at a health center in Denver, Colo., on March 15, 2017. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images
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A major hospital network in Massachusetts has updated its policies and will no longer report suspected child abuse or neglect based solely on a newborn baby testing positive for drugs.

In an update issued on April 2, Massachusetts General Brigham said the change is being rolled out to address disparities, particularly among women of color.