Commentary on Pollard

Abstract

"Dr. Pollard's (1) central point is highly troubling. Fetal abuse is a form of child abuse. She brings a large number of references to show that pregnant women who take drugs, drink alcohol, smoke or even drink coffee during pregnancy can endanger the future health of their babies. And a father who smoke's in his pregnant wife's presence, or even indulges in smoking or drugs before getting her pregnant, may also be guilty of complicity. The scientific basis of her argument deserves detailed examination of each of her sources. But let us look here at the ethical side."