Pregnant heroin addict ordered jailed until baby is born

BESSEMER, Ala. – A judge says a pregnant heroin addict in Alabama must remain in jail until her baby is born.

Al.com (http://bit.ly/2d6po48 ) reports Jefferson County Judge David Hobdy issued the order Friday, saying he was concerned for the baby’s safety. Twenty-one year-old Alexandra Laird had asked to be released on bond in order to go to a treatment facility.

Laird was indicted earlier this year after a daughter was born addicted to heroin. She’s pregnant again and was arrested this month after authorities say she admitted using heroin while pregnant.

Laird wanted to enter a treatment program where she could take medication to protect the fetus from opioid addiction. Prosecutors argued that she could receive treatment in jail and it would be too easy for her to leave a counselling facility.