2003:01PU Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Whereas:
- It is well-recognized that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) can result from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Children with FAS often struggle in school, drop out, and face challenges such as drug and alcohol abuse, crime, and homelessness, despite access to special education and counseling.
- Many health care professionals fail to recognize or properly diagnose FAS and FAE, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Many women are unaware of the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
- Some provinces have loosened restrictions on alcohol sales, potentially increasing consumption and tragic consequences.
Resolved:
- The National Council of Women of Canada adopts as policy the recognition of the significant societal impact of FAS and FAE and the need for preventative measures.
- The National Council of Women of Canada urges the Government of Canada, the Provinces, and the Territories to:
- Undertake campaigns to educate men and women about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Improve diagnostic techniques for better recognition and diagnosis of FAS and FAE by health professionals.
- Require alcohol distributors to attach warning labels indicating the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Assist in providing services for those affected by FAS and FAE.
- Strengthen public information efforts on the risks of alcohol consumption by pregnant women.
- The National Council of Women of Canada commits to improving public awareness of FAS and FAE through special programs and promotional activities. This includes distributing white cords symbolizing the "broken cord" of FAS to increase public awareness and encourage federates to do the same.
- The National Council of Women of Canada urges the Government of Canada to declare FAS and FAE a public health crisis and address alcohol abuse in women of child-bearing age.