Hi Revealer,

We want to tell you about one of our biggest, most important investigations of the past year: A Mother’s Worst Nightmare, which reveals a horrifying – but legal – system that robs mothers of their babies and makes it extremely difficult to regain custody.

Working with former Reveal senior reporter and producer Shoshana Walter and The New York Times Magazine, we uncovered the ramifications of a federal law that directs medical providers to report new mothers to child welfare agencies when babies are born with medications in their system – even when those medications are legally prescribed. To regain custody, the mothers must navigate a complicated, time-consuming and expensive child welfare system that only exacerbates their anguish. The law is frequently used against pregnant people who take addiction treatment medications, such as Suboxone, even though it’s considered the gold standard in helping overcome opioid addiction and is widely recommended by OB-GYNs, Medicaid authorities and the CDC for expectant mothers in recovery. 

Journalism is a public service. We’re working tirelessly to share the investigation so pregnant people and medical providers can make informed decisions about substance use disorder treatment and lawmakers can advocate for more just policies.

Citing our story, federal and state lawmakers told us they are planning to introduce legislation to ensure mothers in recovery aren’t penalized for following doctors’ orders. 

“It’s time we fix broken rules that rip families apart and create a system of care that treats people with compassion, dignity and respect,” said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey agreed: “No family should fear losing their child because they followed doctor-recommended treatment in recovery. I strongly support … continuing to improve the law so it works to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.”