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Bondi wants task force to examine effects prescription drugs have on babies

Bondi
Florida Attorney General
FL Att. Gen. Pam Bondi

By James Call

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-989002.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – State officials want to create a task force that would identify how many babies in Florida are born addicted to painkillers and methods to treat them. James Call reports Attorney General Pam Bondi and two lawmakers are teaming up to bring attention to the problem.

The task force would examine how prevalent the problem is in Florida, the costs of caring for babies in withdrawal, the long-term effects of the condition and strategies to help expectant mothers steer clear of drugs like oxycodone and Percocet. Bondi says at Tampa's St. Joseph's Hospital about 15 to 20 percent of the babies born in the neonatal intensive care unit last year suffered from withdrawal symptoms.

"They're sensitive to sound, light and to touch. They're incubators have to be covered. They have horrible stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea. Instead of getting milk these babies are getting methodone. And that got to stop."

Senator Joe Negron and Rep Kelli Stargel have filed bills to set up the task force. It would determine the cost to care for addicted newborns and strategies for preventing pregnant women from abusing drugs.