Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Chavkin

Publications and source records attributed to W Chavkin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Assessing the effects of welfare reform policies on reproductive and infant health.

OBJECTIVES: The welfare reform law of 1996 marked a historical moment in US policy toward the poor by ending the entitlement to cash assistance, by requiring work, and by establishing time limits. This article examines the potential impact on the health of women and children, the primary recipients of welfare benefits. METHODS: The authors outline the reproductive health outcomes most likely to be sensitive to welfare policies, identify indicators that might be used to assess these outcomes, review empirical evidence, and suggest specific methods and data sources. RESULTS: State welfare requirements could improve health outcomes or deter families from Medicaid and food stamps, as well as income support, thus worsening health outcomes. National and state data may prove useful in detecting these effects; however, new data sources may be required for specific health-related questions. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the effects of welfare policies on reproductive and infant health is possible, although challenging. Reauthorization of the legislation is required in 2002; it is essential that the consequences for health be included in the next round of public debate.

Family Planning Services↗
PubMed1998

Policies towards pregnancy and addiction. Sticks without carrots.

Throughout this century in the United States, tension has existed between those who believe drug abuse is best combatted through the criminal justice system and those who emphasize a medical/public health model of prevention and treatment. In the last decade this debate has centered around the person of the pregnant addict. The former have construed her addiction as willful harm to the fetus punishable on criminal and child abuse grounds. The latter have countered that pregnancy is a moment of increased motivation for treatment and focused on expansion and improvement of treatment options. Both managed care and welfare reform have exacerbated conditions between these opposing policy approaches. The addicted woman is increasingly caught between policies that punish her drug use without options for overcoming addiction.

Child↗
PubMed1998

National survey of the states: policies and practices regarding drug-using pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the impact of national policy shifts on state policies and practices regarding substance-using mothers. METHODS: A 1995 telephone survey of substance abuse and child protective services directors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia was compared with a similar 1992 survey. RESULTS: There have been significant increases in state interventions for drug-using pregnant women (e.g., criminal prosecution, toxicology testing of women and neonates). Federal resources for treatment and oversight are being replaced by state control of reduced funds for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The earlier policy of expanding treatment for addicted women is being replaced by reduction of services and increased state intervention.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1997

Ethics in context.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Communication↗
PubMed1997

Substance abuse and maternity: the United States as a case study.

Two themes pervade the issue of women and addiction in the United States: anger and blame directed at women who use alcohol and other drugs; and neglect and a consequent lack of appropriate treatment. Often the focus is on the addicted pregnant woman and the debate posits a woman's right to autonomy and privacy in opposition to the future child's right to be born free from harm. Others emphasize the tension between blaming individuals and holding the state accountable for provision of services. These conflicts have impeded the diagnosis of women with substance abuse problems, the availability of services and women's access to appropriate care.

Federal Government↗
PubMed1994

The accessibility of drug treatment for pregnant women: a survey of programs in five cities.

Through simulated calls to 294 drug treatment programs in five cities, this study investigated access for pregnant women and compared New York City's provision of services in 1989 to that in 1993. In all sites, the majority of programs accepted pregnant women. There was also a marked improvement in the availability of services in New York City. Yet options were more limited for Medicaid recipients and women needing child care, and an appointment or referral for prenatal care was usually not offered. Although the door for treatment may be opening for pregnant women, institutional barriers still remain.

Child Care↗