Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island
rights of an unborn baby in RI
My pregnant sister in law is actively using street drugs and drinking. DCYF will be taking the baby after birth. We are willing to adopt it. Is there anything we can do to establish rights NOW and prevent her from abusing drugs during pregnancy
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: rights of an unborn baby in RI
Regrettably I know of no legal rights you have to stop your sister from using street drugs and drinking at this time. You only obtain rights after the adoption. Since this is not a surrogate mother contractual relationship there is little you can do to stop this usage except to report her to the police for any illegal drugs or drinking. If you call on her enough this may stop your sister in law's usage long enough to give the child a fighting chance at a normal life during its developmental stages during the pregnancy.