Sharman Stone MP

 

MOST KNOW that smoking when pregnant harms your baby, yet few seem to realise that there is an even greater danger to the baby if the pregnant mother drinks alcohol.

 

Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone has placed a private members bill into parliament to promote greater community recognition of the dangers associated with consuming alcohol when pregnant or breastfeeding. As well she called on better support for those who have Foetal Alcohol Disorder, including support for the carers.

 

“Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the greatest cause of non-genetic permanent intellectual and physical disability in newborns in Australia

 

“A drinking mother can cause permanent damage to their child from conception. This can include damaged brain development, physical impairment and changed facial features.

 

“Almost 3 in 5 Australian women drink alcohol while pregnant yet most are unaware the potential damage it can do. The increasing rates of girls binge drinking are a worry too.” Sharman Stone said.

 

Dr Stone wants FASD and FAS to be recognized as a disability, with services and support made available to help those born with brain injury and other damage. She has recommended a national awareness campaign to ensure no one fails to understand the dangers of drinking while pregnant. She wants to see police, teachers and health services professionals become better informed about the consequences of FAS and FASD and see diagnostic tools for the condition improved and more readily available.

 

Dr Stone’s parliamentary speech on this topic, and many others, can be sourced from http://sharmanstone.com/MediaSpeeches/Speeches/Parliament.aspx