Reveal Podcast Episode Summary
Title: They Followed Doctors’ Orders. The State Took Their Babies.
Host/Author: The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant episode of Reveal, host Al Edson delves into the harrowing story of Jade Doss and her boyfriend, Ryan Benaze, whose lives were upended when state authorities intervened due to Jade's use of Suboxone during pregnancy. This narrative not only highlights their personal struggle but also exposes systemic flaws in child welfare policies targeting substance-assisted treatments.
Jade and Ryan’s Journey
Early Life and Struggles
Jade Doss, a young woman with a tumultuous upbringing marked by neglect and occasional abuse, met Ryan Benaze in her early twenties. Together, they sought stability, but their lives took a downward spiral when they began misusing opioids—mistaking fentanyl-laced pills for oxycontin. This led to job loss, homelessness, and multiple arrests.
Path to Recovery
Determined to overcome their addiction, Jade and Ryan entered rehab and began treatment with Suboxone, a legally prescribed medication for opioid addiction. Suboxone is recognized as a gold-standard treatment, especially for pregnant women, as it helps prevent withdrawal and curb cravings (Shoshana Walter, 09:45).
“I just felt this rush of liquid on my legs and I knew right away that my water broke.” – Jade Doss [10:57]
State Intervention Triggered by Suboxone Use
Birth of Their Daughter and Initial Stability
Jade gave birth to a healthy baby girl under medical supervision while continuing her Suboxone treatment. The hospital reported Jade as attentive, and the baby exhibited no significant withdrawal symptoms. However, Arizona law mandates that any newborn exposed to controlled substances during pregnancy must be reported to the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
Unwarranted Accusations and Custody Loss
Despite the positive health indicators, DCS intervened, accusing Jade and Ryan of substance abuse and neglect. Jade was handed a custody notice filled with baseless allegations, leading to the immediate removal of their daughter just a week after her birth.
“You ain't supposed to have this child, they tell her.” – Al Edson [03:50]
Historical Context of Drug Policies
The Crack Epidemic of the 1980s
The episode traces the roots of punitive drug policies back to the 1980s crack epidemic, where flawed studies labeled "crack babies" as severely damaged, leading to mass arrests of pregnant women, predominantly Black women.
“The crack baby was a made up monster...” – Dorothy Roberts [22:09]
The Opioid Crisis and Shifting Perspectives
Contrastingly, the opioid epidemic of the mid-1990s introduced prescription painkillers, prompting a more compassionate legislative response with the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000. This act recognized addiction as a treatable disease and facilitated the use of medications like Suboxone.
“Now, instead of going to jail, people like Jade could receive treatment...” – Shoshana Walter [24:32]
Systemic Issues and Racial Disparities
Disproportionate Targeting of Women of Color
Research highlighted by reporter Shoshana Walter reveals that Black women were ten times more likely to be reported to authorities for substance use during pregnancy compared to their white counterparts, underscoring deep-seated racial biases within the child welfare system.
“The women who were being prosecuted were Black women...” – Dorothy Roberts [22:44]
Impact of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)
The 2016 CARA broadened the scope of reporting to include any substance exposure, legal or illegal, exacerbating the issue by creating a dragnet that ensnared thousands of women like Jade, who were compliant with their treatment plans.
“It was really this modification from CARA that really escalated things.” – Dr. Stephen Patrick [27:02]
Legal Battles and Personal Struggles
Court Proceedings and Case Plans
Jade and Ryan faced an uphill battle to regain custody of their daughter. The court imposed a stringent case plan requiring frequent drug testing, counseling, parenting classes, and supervised visitations. Despite making some progress, numerous setbacks—including legal violations and systemic delays—hampered their efforts.
“If I wasn't taking illicit drugs, then why do I need to take drug counseling?” – Jade Doss [38:57]
Escalation to Fugitive Status
As deadlines loomed and frustrations mounted, Jade and Ryan fled Arizona, crossing multiple states in an attempt to evade further state intervention. Their journey culminated in a roadside arrest in Iowa, resulting in Jade’s brief incarceration.
“We were just panicking and we thought they were going to take her again.” – Jade Doss [40:59]
Current Status and Emotional Toll
Partial Reunification and Continued Struggles
After Jade’s release from jail, she and Ryan were allowed limited visitation with their daughter. However, persistent legal challenges and systemic obstacles continued to strain their relationship and mental health.
“She's missing so much of her milestones... it's like this deep brokenness.” – Jade Doss [47:21]
Jade’s Emotional Decline
The prolonged legal battles and separation led to severe depression for Jade, ultimately causing her to internalize the blame for her family's turmoil.
“I just messed up so much that it's been this hard for me to get her back.” – Jade Doss [49:37]
Policy Implications and Future Directions
Legislative Efforts Inspired by Jade’s Story
Jade’s ordeal inspired legislative attempts to reform child welfare policies. While initial federal bills failed, states like Massachusetts successfully implemented laws preventing automatic CPS reports for prescribed medication use during pregnancy. Arizona saw similar proposals, although they did not pass, with activists planning to continue their efforts.
Recommendations from Experts
Experts like Dr. Stephen Patrick emphasize the need for policies that prioritize family reunification and appropriate medical treatment over punitive measures.
“If we're really trying to have healthy moms and babies, we want a mom in treatment who's doing well... and then is discharged and goes home with their biological mother.” – Dr. Stephen Patrick [25:38]
Conclusion
Jade Doss and Ryan Benaze's story is a stark illustration of the unintended consequences of well-meaning but flawed policies targeting substance use during pregnancy. Their experience underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure that medical treatments are not criminalized, and that child welfare policies are equitable and evidence-based. Reveal not only brings their story to light but also calls for a reevaluation of how society supports struggling families.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “I just felt this rush of liquid on my legs and I knew right away that my water broke.” – Jade Doss [10:57]
- “You ain't supposed to have this child, they tell her.” – Al Edson [03:50]
- “The crack baby was a made up monster...” – Dorothy Roberts [22:09]
- “Now, instead of going to jail, people like Jade could receive treatment...” – Shoshana Walter [24:32]
- “It was really this modification from CARA that really escalated things.” – Dr. Stephen Patrick [27:02]
- “If I wasn't taking illicit drugs, then why do I need to take drug counseling?” – Jade Doss [38:57]
- “We were just panicking and we thought they were going to take her again.” – Jade Doss [40:59]
- “She's missing so much of her milestones... it's like this deep brokenness.” – Jade Doss [47:21]
- “I just messed up so much that it's been this hard for me to get her back.” – Jade Doss [49:37]
- “If we're really trying to have healthy moms and babies, we want a mom in treatment who's doing well... and then is discharged and goes home with their biological mother.” – Dr. Stephen Patrick [25:38]
Additional Information
The episode was produced with contributions from a dedicated team, including reporters, fact-checkers, and supporting staff from Reveal and external organizations. Funding was provided by various foundations and listener support, ensuring the continuation of impactful investigative journalism.
For more insights and stories, visit Reveal's website.