and Opiate Use Be Rooted in Science, Not Stigma
November 25, 2013
Dear Governor LePage,
We are writing this open letter in response to your email and radio address concerning "Drug-Dependent Newborns, a Disturbing Trend" (Nov. 13, 2013). We share your concern about the health and well being of Maine’s children and families. We are writing, however, to ensure that Maine’s policies regarding pregnant women and newborns is informed by science and that they do not inadvertently increase danger to the health of babies.
We would very much like to join your efforts to ensure maternal, fetal, and child health in the state. To that end, we would be happy to provide you with access to national and international experts in the field of addiction treatment and we request the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this important issue.
Sincerely yours,
Kelly Bentley, Community Health, University of Maine-Farmington*
Tanya Ann Kennedy, Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Maine-Farmington*
Mark Publicker, M.D.
Connie Adler, M.D.
Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center
Family Planning Association of Maine
Gaelyn Aguilar, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Maine-Farmington*
Sarah Brasslett, Bangor, ME
Lorrayne Carroll, Associate Professor of English, Women’s and Gender Studies Faculty, University of Southern Maine*
Chelsea Castonguay, Academic Support Coordinator, University of Maine-Orono*
Wendy Chapkis, Professor of Sociology and Women & Gender Studies, University of Southern Maine*
Lucinda Cole, Director of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Southern Maine*
Jen Jack Giesing, New Media and Data Visualization Specialist, Bowdoin College*
Nancy Gish, University of Southern Maine*
Sandra S. Haggard, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences UMA-Bangor
Allison Hepler, Professor of History, University of Maine-Farmington*
Andrea Irwin, Esq.
Polly Kaufmann, Department of History, University of Southern Maine*
Nicole Kellett, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Maine-Farmington*
Susan K. Riley, Advocacy Committee, Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center
Ann Schonberger
Lauren Webster, University of Southern Maine*
Shana Youngdahl, University of Maine-Farmington*
Members of Maine Grandmas for Reproductive Rights (GRR!)
Julia G. Kahrl
Janice Miranda
Beedy Parker
Kitty Wheeler
Jay McCreight
Lucy Stinson
ACLU of Maine
Pregnancy Justice
*I join this letter as an individual, and provide my title and work information for identification purposes only.