Evaluating the impact of laws on prenatal drug use and maternal health

CE24-012 - ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES OF STATE PRENATAL DRUG USE LAWS

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10992537

This study looks at how different state laws about drug use during pregnancy affect the care and health of pregnant people and their babies, especially focusing on any differences based on race and ethnicity, to help improve support for families in need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992537 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of various state laws aimed at addressing prenatal drug use, which has significantly increased in recent years. It examines how these laws, including those related to child maltreatment and mandatory reporting, influence treatment engagement and health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their infants. The study will also explore potential disparities in the impact of these laws based on race and ethnicity, providing a comprehensive analysis of their effectiveness. By analyzing data from multiple states, the research aims to inform policy and improve support for affected families.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who are using drugs or are at risk of substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a history of substance use may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved laws and policies that better support pregnant individuals struggling with substance use, ultimately enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these laws, similar research has shown that policy changes can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting potential for meaningful insights from this study.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.