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Rising Opioid Use in Pregnant Women Sparks Urgent Care Calls

1/2/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found opioid use among pregnant women in California rose from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.33% in 2020.
The rise links to higher maternal complications and infant mortality.
Barriers to care exist; only 25% of Oregon treatment programs accommodate pregnant women with opioid use disorder.
Experts urge early intervention and comprehensive care to improve outcomes as overdose deaths decline.

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Story summary

Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found opioid use among pregnant women in California rose from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.33% in 2020.
The rise links to higher maternal complications and infant mortality.
Barriers to care exist; only 25% of Oregon treatment programs accommodate pregnant women with opioid use disorder.
Experts urge early intervention and comprehensive care to improve outcomes as overdose deaths decline.