Brussels, 18/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for Health Tonio Borg has called on efforts to be stepped up by all stakeholders to tackle alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In a speech delivered on 17 September at an event organised at the European Parliament by Eurocare, the European Alcohol Policy Alliance (which brings together all the different groups involved in alcohol prevention and tackling its consequences), Commissioner Borg stated that more could be done to protect the foetus from alcohol and that a coordinated and sustained effort needed to be made by alcohol producers and distributors, public health bodies and member states if they are to make progress. The conference was organised as a follow-up to world awareness day on foetal alcohol syndrome held on 9 September.
Foetal alcohol syndrome is the official term used to describe alcoholic intoxication of the embryo through the mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Even if the embryo is exposed to low doses of alcohol, it could develop deformities and suffer mental retardation later or other congenital problems. In 2006, the European Union made the protection of the unborn child one of its priorities in its strategy for tackling alcohol abuse. Although action carried out in the context of this strategy has borne fruit, efforts still need to be continued because there is still a lack of awareness amongst the general population about the damaging effects of alcohol during pregnancy. According to a number of European studies, one out of four young Spanish women (25%) continued to drink alcohol during pregnancy. This proportion is between 35% and 50% in the Netherlands and up to 79% in Ireland. With the support of the Commission, member states have a key role to play in stemming this phenomenon, Borg pointed out, particularly by providing appropriate services for pregnant women, promoting healthy pregnancies and supporting the health and well-being of families with small children. According to the commissioner, member states should further explore the possibility of including warnings on alcoholic drinks that highlight the dangers of alcohol consumption for pregnant women, a strategy that is currently being pursued in France and the United Kingdom. He also points out that the common objective pursued by member states to reduce health spending should include joint initiatives to tackle alcohol consumption among pregnant women. Borg asserted that “a recent evaluation of the EU alcohol strategy confirmed the value of building partnerships that work towards common goals. In particular, we must bear in mind the role alcohol abuse plays in chronic disease. Their cost to society will become untenable in future decades unless we manage to curb the tide now”. The European Union will continue initiatives carried out within the framework of its European strategy. The commissioner concluded that “our job now is to assess where concrete progress has been made and where we can improve our actions for the future”. (IL/transl.fl)