Silent Struggles: Unveiling Stigma in Healthcare With Perinatal Patients on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Rebecca G. Schapiro, Karampreet Kaur, Margaret Lowenstein, Navid Roder, Nia M. Bhadra-Heintz, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of General Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Consult Faculty, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Addiction Medicine Consult Faculty, University of Pennsylvania Hospital System, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Addiction Medicine Consult Faculty, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Journal of Drug Issues

Published online on April 30, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Drug Issues, Ahead of Print.
Perinatal opioid use disorder contributes significantly to the U.S. maternal health crisis. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) improves maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet stigma remains a barrier to care for pregnant patients. This qualitative ...