Classic Americana

Woman Gives Birth To Drunk Baby/
New Mom Charged With Child Neglect

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. -- An Oklahoma woman who allegedly drank so much that she gave birth to a drunk baby is charged with child neglect.

A police affidavit says Melissa Tanner had a blood alcohol content of .29 percent when she gave birth June 30. Police said the baby girl was born with a blood alcohol level of .21 percent.

Hospital staff had to use an oxygen bag to help the baby start breathing and gave her medication to counteract any narcotics.

Police said Tanner told them she and another person had just polished off a case of beer, and that she regularly drank during pregnancy. A sheriff's investigator said the baby has fetal alcohol syndrome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the syndrome as the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and physical deformity. The severity of the girl's disability won't be known until she is older.
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heh... wow... what can you say to that?