A Republican lawmaker wants to make it a felony for a mother to pass illegal drugs to a fetus.
The bill would make passing illegal substances from a mother to a fetus a Class B felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or up to a $7,500 fine.
Republican Rep. Clel Baudler of Greenfield says his bill sends the message that "using illegal drugs will not be tolerated" and that incarceration is an effective means to force drug-using pregnant women to get clean.
The bill was introduced Wednesday to the House Public Safety Committee, which Baudler heads.
Baudler, a former state trooper, says he expects opposition from Democrats.
