2003:01PU - FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Whereas:
- It is now well-recognized that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) may result from the use of alcoholic beverages by women during pregnancy; and
- Children with FAS do not do well in school, may drop out early and drift into drug and alcohol abuse, crime and homelessness despite special education, possibly including private schooling and a series of counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists; and
- Doctors and other health care professionals often do not recognize FAS and FAE and therefore may misdiagnose it; and
- Many women are not aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant; and
- Some provincial governments have loosened restrictions with respect to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which may result in increased consumption and the tragic consequences thereof; therefore be it
RESOLVED:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as its policy recognition of the issues of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) and their negative impact on society and the need for preventative measures; and be it further
RESOLVED:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada, the Provinces, and the Territories to:
a. Undertake a campaign to make men and women aware of the dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy;
b. Develop improved diagnostic techniques that will help doctors and other health care professionals better recognize and diagnose FAS and FAE;
c. Require distributors of alcoholic beverages, including wine, to attach a warning label to their products indicating the dangers of drinking when pregnant;
d. Assist in providing services required by those affected with FAS and FAE; and
e. Strengthen the provision of public information on the dangers of alcohol consumption by pregnant women; and be it further
RESOLVED:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada improve awareness of FAS and FAE through holding special programs and health promotional activities on the subject and distributing white cords to symbolize the broken cord of FAS as a means of introducing the subject, when worn on a lapel, thus increasing public awareness of FAS and FAE and encouraging its federates to do the same; and be it further
RESOLVED:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to address Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect as a Public Health Crisis, and address treatment of alcohol abuse in women of child-bearing age.