You deserve respectful care
Pregnant women who use substances or who are in recovery often face stigma and judgment. This can happen in healthcare settings, in the community, and sometimes even within families.
Stigma can make it harder to ask for help. Some women avoid prenatal care or treatment because they are afraid of being judged, blamed, or misunderstood.
You deserve care that treats you with dignity and respect.
Stigma happens when people are treated unfairly or differently because of a health condition or life situation.
Stigma and bias during pregnancy
For pregnant women, stigma may look like:
Feeling blamed for substance use
Being spoken to in a harsh or judgmental way
Feeling afraid to be honest about your health or substance use
Being treated as if you are a “bad mother”
Avoiding medical care because of fear or shame
These experiences can make pregnancy even more stressful.
Substance use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failure. Like other health conditions, it deserves treatment, support, and compassion.
Bias in healthcare
Bias can also affect how people are treated in healthcare settings. Bias can be based on many things, including:
Race or ethnicity
Income level
Housing status
Substance use history
Mental health conditions
Research has shown that some groups of women, especially Black, Indigenous, and other women of color, may experience higher rates of drug testing, reporting, or negative treatment during pregnancy.
These differences can make it harder for people to trust the healthcare system or feel safe asking for help. Sacramento County offers programs such as African American Perinatal Health (AAPH), Black Infant Health, and American Indian Maternal Support Services (AIMSS).
Your voice matters
You have the right to be treated with respect and to understand your care.
You have the right to:
Be treated with respect
Ask questions
Understand tests and treatment options
Be part of decisions about your care
Speak up if something does not feel right
Get clear information about testing and reporting laws
If you ever feel judged, dismissed, or treated unfairly, you can ask for help, request another provider, or seek support from an advocate.