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.

Unfortunately, many women are not aware that, throughout pregnancy, even at low levels of exposure, alcohol interferes with the normal development and can seriously damage the unborn child.

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.