The majority of infants born to mothers addicted to opiates show a narcotic withdrawal syndrome. The risk of prematurity and other health disorders occurring in an infant is substantially increased by the mother's abuse of narcotics during pregnancy. The microbial infection of children by a contaminated drug abused in the family and accidental poisoning of children by drugs have also been reported. The treatment of drug-addicted pregnant women has raised medical and legal questions, such as the breach of confidentiality of medical information and the criminal failure to report offenses, as well as the failure to render assistance. The promotion of information and education about drug abuse during pregnancy and the effects of such abuse on the pregnant woman, her fetus, and the future of a new-born infant is an urgent necessity. 19 references. (Author abstract modified)