Question by Avril Doyle to the Commission prenatal alcohol consumption

Subject: Prenatal alcohol consumption and the Health and Alcohol Forum

Given the increasing propensity of young women to binge drink in Europe, there is a substantial risk of neurological damage to foetuses which can cause foetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications.

The Commission's Communication on 'an EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm' proposed the setting up of an Alcohol and Health Forum, which was set up on 7 June 2007.

Does the Commission agree that this Forum must examine closely the issue of prenatal consumption of alcohol, as women need urgent information on the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy?