Which statement is true about unborn child abuse?

• A. Serious physical harm to the unborn child can occur because of habitual use of alcohol or controlled substances by the mother
• B. Only physical harm after birth is considered
• C. Alcohol use by the father is the sole factor
• D. No risk factors exist

Answer: (A)

Prenatal harm from maternal substance use is a form of unborn child abuse because what the mother does during pregnancy can directly injure the developing fetus. Habitual use of alcohol or controlled substances while pregnant can cause serious physical harm to the unborn child, including birth defects, growth problems, and neurodevelopmental issues that may appear after birth. This is why that statement is true: the fetus can be harmed before leaving the womb due to the mother’s ongoing substance use.

This isn’t limited to harm after birth, and the idea that the father’s alcohol use is the sole factor ignores the direct impact of the mother’s prenatal exposure. There are real risk factors for fetal harm, and recognizing prenatal harm is important for understanding and preventing abuse or neglect.