Peripartum substance use and punitive laws: an update.

This is a follow up on a 2016 article discussing the rise in punitive perinatal substance use laws. From 2016-2023, there has been a 39% increase in laws equating perinatal substance use with child abuse, and a 73% increase in mandated reporting laws, despite limited evidence that these laws are helpful. We write this update to raise awareness for providers, so they may better counsel patients on this topic and help advocate for treatment focused policies in their state.