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The Marshall Project

Feature February 18
How Often Does Child Welfare Call Police in Your State for Positive Drug Tests at Birth?
The Marshall Project found 70,000+ allegations of pregnancy drug use referred to law enforcement, often based on unreliable drug tests.
By and
A photo shows a brown and tan warehouse, a road and a stop sign.
Closing Argument February 14
ICE Is Buying Warehouses. Communities Are Fighting Back.
The agency wants to warehouse immigration detainees. Local residents and officials are raising concerns.
By
Two items are arranged on a white surface: a copy of a sonogram and a printout of positive drug test results.
Feature February 13
Having a Baby? 5 Tips to Avoid Problems From Flawed Drug Testing at the Hospital
Hospitals routinely use unreliable drug tests at childbirth, and many parents are reported to child welfare agencies and the police. Here’s what you can do.
By and
A person in a pink cardigan and green shirt stands in front of a large cashier's machine, while a long receipt spools out and surrounds the person.
News February 13
Iowa’s Top Court Ended Court Fees in Dismissed Cases. Politicians Want Them Back
The state can no longer saddle defendants with court fees when charges are dismissed. Prosecutors are backing legislation to restore them.
By Lauren Gill
The Marshall Project: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report | 2025
News and Awards February 12
The Marshall Project: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 2025
Our ninth annual diversity report notes developments in 2025 and lays out goals for the year ahead.
By The Marshall Project
A collage shows images of a pregnant person in a hospital gown holding their belly, a doctor holding a scalpel, a doctor administering an epidural injection on the back of a patient, a hospital gown, a hair net, a doctor writing on a clipboard and a pregnant woman taking pills out of a bottle.
Investigate This February 12
Journalists: New Data to Investigate the Consequences of Hospital Drug Testing at Childbirth
We collected child welfare data in 21 states to report on the consequences of faulty drug tests for pregnant women, including referrals to law enforcement.
By and
A photo shows federal agents standing in the middle of a road. One group of federal agents is wearing camouflage uniforms. The second group is wearing black uniforms.
News February 10
After Disputed Idaho Raid, Lawsuit Tries Different Approach to Hold ICE Accountable
It’s nearly impossible to sue federal officials for civil rights violations, but a new ACLU filing could become a test case for how to do it.
By
Feature February 10
How We Counted Referrals to Police About Substance Use During Pregnancy
New analysis finds the parents of 70,000 newborns were reported to law enforcement over substance use allegations, often based on flawed drug tests.
By and
A photo shows a Black woman, with red hair and a white sweater, wiping the face of her young daughter while she sits on top of a kitchen table. Her eldest daughter, wearing pink hair ribbons and a blue Care Bears shirt, stands next to her while she looks at a phone placed on the table.
Feature February 10
Tens of Thousands of Mothers Were Flagged to Police Over Flawed Drug Tests at Childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that’s a significant undercount.
By and
[Use this form](https://airtable.com/appR7SW9BhPZGdXp9/pagui3EF1KWn7G7hK/form) to tell us if you’ve had a brush with law enforcement during your pregnancy, labor or delivery.
Get Involved February 10
Investigated for a Positive Drug Test While Giving Birth? Tell Us What Happened Next.
Help our team continue their reporting on referrals to law enforcement for alleged drug use during pregnancy by sharing your story.
By The Marshall Project
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