July 27, 2012 Media Contact: Jenn Meale Phone: (850) 245-0150

Print Version

Tweet

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking Floridians to join her in raising awareness about prescription drug abuse by expectant mothers and the effects it has on newborns. She invites Floridians to suggest slogans that may be used to raise awareness by submitting concepts via MyFloridaLegal.com between now and August 10 at 5 p.m.

“Raising awareness about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs while pregnant is a crucial component of preventing neonatal abstinence syndrome,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I encourage Floridians to submit ideas for slogans that will ultimately help promote healthy outcomes for mothers and their children.”

In hospitals across our state, babies are born suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is a collection of problems that occur in newborns that have been exposed to addictive drugs while in the womb. Symptoms include: fever, seizures, blotchy skin, incessant shrill cries, respiratory problems, and extreme sensitivity to sounds and light.

Attorney General Bondi chairs the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns. The task force is charged with examining the scope of the problem of prescription drug abuse by expectant mothers, the costs associated with caring for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the long-term effects of the syndrome, and prevention strategies. For more information, please visit: http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/CFC9846F8D7790FC85257A10004AE67E