New Mexico's Bold Move for Drug-Exposed Babies

New Mexico’s Supreme Court has greenlit a bold new policy: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order lets the state take custody of newborns exposed to drugs—even without parental consent—while still requiring court oversight. Since implementation, over 200 babies have entered the system, with zero infant deaths reported. The move comes after years of failures under the voluntary CARA program, where tragic deaths exposed critical gaps. Now, parents must prove they can safely care for their child to be reunited with them. Supporters hail it as a lifesaving intervention that balances child safety with parental rights. Critics, including the ACLU and some lawmakers, argue it oversteps authority and risks family separation. Though the court’s ruling keeps the policy alive, advocates are pushing for it to become law to prevent reversal. The focus remains on protecting vulnerable infants while offering parents the support they need to heal and reunite. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0f488e509f7906df