Babies who come into the world addicted to drugs such as heroin suffer the incredible pain of withdrawal, along with potential ill health later in life - because their mothers could not or would not deal with their own substance abuse.

It happens all too frequently. And other than finding ways to help the little ones get through their first weeks of life in withdrawal, not much is done about the problem.

Of course, pregnant women are urged to stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using certain drugs. Some do. Many do not.

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate last week by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, R-R.I., is aimed at improving treatment programs for pregnant women and mothers who have substance abuse disorders. Using money already in the budget, it would provide for residential treatment programs for such women. It also would set up a pilot program for state initiatives providing family-based services to such women.

A similar bill also has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Both houses of Congress should approve the plan without delay. It is part of a much-needed new focus on helping the youngest - and most innocent - victims of substance abuse.