Child Abuse Charge Could Change to Agg. Child Abuse for Expectant Mothers

Currently in Tennessee, when a mother is accused of using drugs while pregnant she can be charged with reckless endangerment and child abuse. The child abuse charge is a class “D” felony which carries a maximum sentence of 12-years in prison.  That charge of child abuse could soon change to “aggravated child abuse” if House Bill 2327 sees a companion bill in the senate and passes in the state. The charge of aggravated child abuse is a class “A” felony as opposed to a class “D” felony. A class “A” felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 60-years instead of only 12-years for the charge of child abuse.

In Rutherford County, there have been five mothers suspected of using drugs while pregnant since June of last year. Some of the drugs that newborns have tested positive for in Rutherford County have included opiates, marijuana, benzodiazepines and methadone. The bill is currently in review by the Judiciary Subcommittee.

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Member Opinions:
By: DonWright on 2/10/12
The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect on Heritage Park works to fight such issues.
Sadly more money goes to the prevention of cruelty to animals than to prevention of child abuse. Animal abuse is wrong as well but a child should not have to hurt to be a kid. www.familycentertn.org

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