Comments on: Ask Ms. Harm Reduction: She’s Pregnant and on Dope

By: jenny heineman

jenny heineman — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:52:48 +0000

This post is so kind and loving…my heart goes out to Goo Gah’s friend.

It’s really quite incredible how our culture, ostensibly intent on protecting children, has instead a deep, fetishized preoccupation with shaming the very people who create life. When I was pregnant, I couldn’t even enjoy a glass of wine in public without someone offering unsolicited commentary on the damage I was wreaking on my fetus (for the record, my kid is extraordinary in every way and, as far as I can tell, undamaged).

Is it any wonder folks opt out of prenatal care when they are in special situations? Especially since, in some states, fetuses can be assigned their own lawyer? It’s an exercise in power and control wrapped in the language of concern.

Sending so much love and support and empathy to this young woman.

By: BP

BP — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:11:41 +0000

I just want to say how much I appreciate that this exists. I’m not a drug user myself, but there are so few judgement-free advice columns in the world and the compassion of Ms HR almost brings me to tears. I wish there were more places like this on the internet and in real life. It feels lonely out there when everybody hates you.

By: SBG

SBG — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:53:48 +0000

Excellent article here. Thank you for the work you’re doing, thank you, thank you, thank you.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:29:35 +0000

Ms Goo Gah’s friend’s story really touched me. My daughter was a pregnant heroin addict several years ago and she got on buprenorphine instead of methadone. There were complications with my grand daughter (she had to withdraw-very painful to watch), but she turned out fine. She will be 7 soon.

Sadly, my daughter was not able to stay clean and is no longer with us. I know you want to help your friend and I hope are able to. As a recovering addict myself (Oct, 2011), I pray that you will not forget that the most important thing you can do is to stay clean yourself.

By: Caty Simon

Caty Simon — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:51:17 +0000

In reply to Evie. Thanks for listing those additional resources!

By: Caty Simon

Caty Simon — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:50:49 +0000

By: Evie

Evie — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:34:33 +0000

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – bless you, T&S and Ms. Harm Reduction. There are so few places we can go for helpful, compassionate, and informed advice. If I may, a few more organizations that provide services and support to pregnant women who use drugs:

– National Advocates for Pregnant Women: legal services for pregnant women nationally, and state-by-state information on laws and policies. http://www.advocatesforpregnantwomen.org/.

– Young Women United: for women of color in the Albuquerque, NM region. Community support for pregnant women who use drugs, and advocacy for increased access and better pre-natal care and birthing options. http://www.youngwomenunited.org/.

– Project SAFE: harm reduction direct service providers for women in Philadelphia’s sex trade. Supplies for safer sex and safer injection (syringes, cookers, cottons, etc) can be delivered right to your door! They can also connect women with informed, non-judgmental medical providers. http://www.projectsafephilly.org, or call 1-866-509-SAFE (7233) to set up a delivery.