Tubal ligation means $200 for drug addict

STANTON (AP) A recovering drug addict who gave birth to five children
hooked on crack has undergone a tubal ligation in exchange for $200 from an
Orange County antidrug group, the program's founder said.

The woman, 28, identified as Sheila H., recently gave birth to a sixth
child, a boy. She remained clean during the pregnancy.

The surgery was paid for by Children Requiring a Caring Kommunity, or
CRACK. Founder Barbara Harris said Sheila was the first participant in the
program. She will be presented with a $200 check at a news conference Nov.
7.

Sheila's five crackaddicted children were taken from her at birth and
placed in foster homes. She has been in a substanceabuse program since the
early months of her latest pregnancy.

The program pays drugaddicted mothers $50 if they use Norplant, a
contraceptive implanted in the arm, or $20 if they choose Depo Provera, a
birth control injection. It pays $200 for tubal ligation.