Western Australia Minister for Community Services Robyn McSweeney

Minister Urges Women to Abstain from Alcohol throughout Pregnancy

Victor P Taffa

Nearing the end of dry July, Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney today launched an information booklet to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Mrs. McSweeney said by bringing awareness to the serious side effects associated with alcohol use during pregnancy, including Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), she hoped women would change their behaviours towards drinking.

“Pregnant women need to be aware there is no safe level of drinking during pregnancy.”

“Research has shown for a very long time that drinking heavily during pregnancy can lead to impairments in children impacting on their long-term growth and behaviour.”

“Pregnant women also need to realise there can be serious effects from occasional alcohol use and should try to commit to abstaining all together.” the Minister said.

“The simple but powerful image of a pregnant woman drinking used in this campaign really speaks a thousand words about abstaining from alcohol.”

“It is vitally important for women of all cultures and backgrounds to recognise that FASD is completely preventable and not drinking during pregnancy is the safest option for their unborn baby.”

The Minister said the booklet was not a comprehensive guide about FASD and should not be used by parents to diagnose any medical conditions being experienced by their child, similar to that of FASD.

FASD is used to describe a range of disabilities and various effects that can arise from prenatal alcohol exposure.

The Department for Communities ‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder’ booklet can be downloaded at http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/childrenandfamilies/parentingwa/parentingresources/Pages/FoetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder.aspx or phone 6217 8700.