Program reacts to East TN mother's dismissed charges

The dismissal of charges this week against an East Tennessee mother accused of using drugs while pregnant caught the eye of one organization.

Officials arrested Mallory Loyola in July 2014 on a simple assault charge. The charge comes from a new Tennessee law that criminalizes prenatal drug use. Loyola admitted to abusing methamphetamine just days before the birth of her baby girl.

Related: Organizations express concern over drug-dependent babies

According to the assistant public defender who represented Loyola, a judge delayed her prosecution in July, saying she had to complete a rehab program without any relapse and her charges would be dismissed.

More:Mom's charge in prenatal drug case dropped after she completes program

Related: Update: $2,000 bond set for East Tenn. mom charged under new law

Susannah's House is a program in Knoxville that helps mothers fight drug addiction.

"The fact that her case was dismissed because she was in a program, I think, is a very important thing for all of us to know and all of us to learn from. And I certainly wish her the best," said Executive Director Rebekah Fetzer.

Fetzer said her program has had similar cases to Loyola.

"We have one mom who came to us when she was about a month from delivery, and as soon as she delivered her baby, she found out she was able to keep the baby even though the baby was drug exposed and the baby did have to be weened off the medication," said Loyola.

Fetzer said the new law that punishes mothers for prenatal drug use creates fear with mothers who are looking for help.

"They are afraid of jail - that their babies are going to be removed, and so they are trying to be very quiet about it and go about their business," said Fetzer.

Her group continues to work with these mothers. They currently work with eight different women.