Care of Pregnant Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Originally approved June 2024


The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) believes that pregnant individuals with substance use disorder should not be penalized or criminalized for their substance use. Substance use disorder is a chronic and complex biological and behavioral disorder that warrants medical management.

ACEP endorses that all individuals must have the same access to prenatal care regardless of their substance use history.

ACEP supports the development of programs specific to pregnant individuals facing substance use disorder.

ACEP believes that all pregnant women should be given access to addiction treatment facilities, educational resources on substance use disorder, and medications that are typically used in relation to substance use disorder including:

• Naloxone
• Buprenorphine
• Methadone
• Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal
• Nicotine patches

ACEP believes that drug screens should only be used for the clinical management of the patient and should not deter care in any way.