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Alcohol and Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the EU.
It affects about 1% of people in the EU27 (i.e. nearly 5 million people) and is the only one that is 100% preventable.
Numerous studies show there are a substantial number of women in the EU who continue to drink during pregnancy. It is estimated that this ranges from 25% in Spain to 35%-50% in the Netherlands and even higher rates in the UK or Ireland (79%).
The umbrella term, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These can include physical, mental, behavioural and or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications
On October 24 the European Commission adopted a Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm. One of the priorities identified in the Communication is to protect young people, children and the unborn child.
Resources
Reference EU Documents
Research
Good practices
- Labeling and FASD Prevention in France (by ANPAA)
Useful links
- European FASD Network The European FASD Alliance was founded in February 2011 to meet the growing need for European professionals and NGOs concerned with FASD to share ideas and work together. The European FASD Alliance is a nonprofit international organization registered in Sweden.
- Reunisaf - This website provides information about FASD in French.
Eurocare Events
Eurocare's Alcohol and Pregnancy Conference, 9th September 2009, European Parliament, Brussels
Over 100 people attended the Conference Eurocare held in the European Parliament to mark the ”International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day” on Wednesday 9th September 2009. More information
Evening reception on Alcohol and Pregnancy, 9 September 2008, European Parliament
Over 50 people attended the Eurocare Evening Reception in the European Parliament, marking ”International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day” on Tuesday 9th September 2008. More information
Lunch meeting on FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), 4 September 2007, European Parliament, Strasbourg
To mark the International FASD Day (9 September) Eurocare organised, together with Dutch MEPs, Mr. Jules Maaten (ALDE) and Ms Dorette Corbey (PSE), a lunch meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the 4th of September.More information
Eurocare Papers
Preliminary library of alcohol health information and warning labels
In this document, you will find a number of sample labels developed by Eurocare (in cooperation with design company) that can be used as a basis for a more elaborate library. It is our hope that this initial proposal will serve as a starting point for a much needed discussion
Eurocare Press Releases
Europe-wide action for labels on alcoholic beverages to warn women not to consume alcohol during pregnancy
Organizations and individuals in over 20 European countries are calling for messages on alcoholic drinks to warn women not to drink during pregnancy.
Give your child a fair start and do not drink during pregnancy- Marking the FASD Awareness Day, 9th September
The umbrella term, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), describes the consequences that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
Eurocare Marks International ‘Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders' (FASD) Awareness Day
Drinking alcohol in pregnancy remains a significant public health issue in Europe. A substantial number of women across the EU, continue to drink during pregnancy–ranging from 25% in Spain to 35%-50% in the Netherlands and even higher rates in the UK or Ireland.