Politique des drogues et genre : Motherisk et la régulation des soins maternels au Canada

Cet article offre une analyse des pratiques et politiques de protection de l’enfance destinées aux femmes enceintes et aux mères suspectées d’utiliser des drogues, avec un accent mis sur la tragédie du service Motherisk en Ontario. Pour en savoir plus, en anglais, veuillez lire les informations ci-dessous.

By Susan Boyd

Due to misinformation and enduring discourses about pregnant women and mothers suspected of using drugs, these women continue to experience systemic discrimination. In 2014, this fact was once again made public in Canada when the Ontario government established an independent review of hair testing practices conducted by Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory (MDTL) at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids. Between 2005 and 2015, MDTL tested the hair of more than 16,000 individuals for drug consumption. The results were introduced as evidence in court and resulted in both temporary and permanent loss of custody of children. Tragically, it was later discovered that the hair testing results were unreliable. This paper provides an analysis of child protection policies and practices directed at pregnant women and mothers suspected of using drugs, with a focus on the Motherisk tragedy in Ontario.

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