Mellan skydd och självbestämmande - Socialarbetares perspektiv på LVM i förhållande till missbrukande gravida kvinnor

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to highlight professional social workers’ perspectives on pregnant substance abusers in relation to the Swedish law regarding forced care of addicts. The law comprises forced care of addicts who, amongst other criteria, are considered a threat to themselves or people in close relation to them. This law does not include unborn children and do not protect them during pregnancy, since the unborn is not considered a legal person. Risk factors has been identified concerning the safety of the unborn child in relation to the current law as well as risk factors concerning the safety of the mother, her integrity and motivation in case of change within the legislation. This study aims to examine and analyze professional views on how the work with pregnant substance abusers works in relation to the legislation. The aim is also to examine whether there is a noticeable common professional opinion regarding the need of change in the legislation. This study was conducted through qualitative interviews. The research group consists of eight social workers. The results indicate that the social workers included in this study consider the health and safety of the unborn child highly important and a fact that should be taken into consideration when working with the mother. All participants agree that the premises of the work with the addict changes due to the pregnancy. However, certain differences in opinions regarding potential change in the legislation have been detected through this study. The reasons for these differences are for instance that some of the participants consider unforced and voluntary contributions to be more adequate.