To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that (a) advice to expectant mothers on alcohol consumption in pregnancy is clear and consistent and (b) all pregnant women are given information on the dangers of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Answered on
17 June 2021
The United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines published in 2016 provide clear advice to women not to drink alcohol if they are planning for a pregnancy or are pregnant. Public Health England, NHS England and NHS Improvement and local commissioners continue to raise awareness and provide education on the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant. Midwives and health visitors have a central role in providing clear, consistent advice and early identification and support.
The Government is funding five voluntary organisations as part of the Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents programme to support grassroots initiatives to prevent cases of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and help improve support for those living with its consequences.