If a baby is born with cocaine in its system, how is this categorized?

When a baby is born with cocaine in its system, it signifies exposure to a harmful substance during pregnancy, which can have serious implications for the health and development of the infant. This situation is categorized as medical neglect because it reflects a failure to provide proper care during pregnancy, potentially endangering the child's well-being. In the context of health practice, medical neglect refers to circumstances where a caregiver does not provide necessary, appropriate medical care, which in this case involves the health of the unborn child and the effects of substance use during pregnancy.

This classification underscores the responsibility of caregivers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the child, even prior to birth. It can also lead to legal implications, as there are laws that protect infants from being born with substance abuse issues, which often necessitate intervention from social services or legal authorities to ensure the safety of the child.