Federal Parliament recognises impact of alcohol during Pregnancy
September 20, 2011
Federal Parliament recognises impact of alcohol during Pregnancy
Today in Canberra members from all sides of politics unanimously supported a private member’s motion by Dr Sharman Stone which puts the spotlight on pregnant women drinking alcohol. The motion seeks to educate the public on the serious risks associated with pregnant women drinking, from conception, during the pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The National Medical Health and Research Council’s recommendations are that no alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone, co-chair and founder of Parliamentarians for the Prevention of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) said it was the first time the Australian Parliament has voted together to give public recognition to the condition, with a framework to tackle the lack of information and education about the problem, and the need for better support for those suffering from FASD, or caring for victims.
“FASD or FAS is permanent and life long brain damage that can cause a wide range of behavioural, learning and development disorders in a new born.
The motion called for the recognition of FASD as a disability requiring special support, including funded support for families and individuals tackling FASD as sufferers and carers.
Sharman Stone said “raising of awareness across the community of the toxic effect of alcohol on the unborn child was an essential part of reducing the prevalence of the condition. It is critical that there is a better understanding and awareness in the community.
“We need information highlighting the impact on the individual’s development and how that affects their behaviour that is targeted not only to families and women, but all service providers, the law enforcement and justice sector and school education sector.
“There is still a lot of work to be done to prevent FASD but this is a significant step along the way,” Sharman Stone said.
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