Campaigners want expectant-mums to face prosecution if they drink alcohol

Since the latest figures from the Department of Health have revealed the number of babies born with alcohol related disorders, campaigners want pregnant women to face prosecution if they drink.

 

The figures revealed that over three hundred babies in the last two years were damaged from alcohol exposure while still in the womb and in the past three years, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome has risen by 50%.

 

Dr Raja Mukherjee, an expert in this field warned mums not to binge drink, but said it’s ok to have the recommended amount for mothers-to-be:

 

“That doesn't mean that people who've drunk a little bit have harmed their child, most people won't have done, but if you want to guarantee safety and you want to guarantee no risk then no alcohol is the best way forward.”

 

In disagreement with campaigners, the charity for FAS, NOFAS-UK, doesn’t think the prosecution is the way forward. Instead, women who tend to drink a lot should be given support:

 

“[They] should be given support and should be given information so they know there's a chance they could harm another life.”

 

It’s a complicated situation and with the 50% rise in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is one that should be looked at from all angles.