Warnings On Alcohol To Ward Off Pregnant Mothers

An Irish MEP has urged the government to put warnings on alcoholic drinks to discourage pregnant mothers from drinking.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness is taking part in a special seminar on the issue on Tuesday, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

According to the MEP, over 354 babies are born each year in Ireland with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, while foetal alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the Western world, and is linked to cognitive and functional disabilities, including poor memory, attention deficits, impulsive behavior, and poor reasoning.

Last week, Ms McGuinness released a leaflet detailing the possible affects of drinking during pregnancy. The MEP stressed there is "no safe" amount of alcohol which a pregnant woman can consume without putting her baby at risk.

"The evidence is clear - alcohol in pregnancy is a lethal cocktail for the unborn child and can lead to developmental, behavioural and learning difficulties in school and later in life," she said.

The European Minister added: "Alcohol goes directly to the developing baby and is more toxic to the foetus than nicotine or any other so-called recreational drugs. Yet GP's are more likely to ask mums-to-be about smoking, than their drinking habits."

(DW/JM)