Women of childbearing age told to avoid alcohol – because it may harm baby chances
Joanna Lovell
Senior Social & Newsletter WriterThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new guidance – but critics say it's 'absurd' and 'sexist'.
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Women of childbearing age should be banned from drinking alcohol entirely – because it may harm their chances of having children, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The first draft of its latest Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022 - 2030 says women of childbearing age should not consume ANY alcohol at all.
The plan, which suggests alcohol harms could be publicised through an international 'world no alcohol day/week', says:
'Appropriate attention should be given to the prevention of the initiation of drinking among children and adolescents, prevention of drinking among pregnant women and women of childbearing age.'
This means women aged between 18 and 50 effectively being asked to stay away from alcohol – in case they are pregnant and it harms the unborn baby.
Symptoms in children exposed to alcohol in the womb can include poor growth, distinct facial features and learning and behavioural problems.
However the plans have been labelled 'absurd' and the WHO has been accused of being 'sexist.'
Matt Lambert, of the Portman Group, which represents UK brewers and distillers, branded it 'sexist and paternalistic.'
Christopher Snowdon, at think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs said the advice was “unscientific, patronising and absurd.”
He added that the plans were "classic World Health Organisation idiocy", The Telegraph reports.
The NHS website says experts are still unsure exactly how much – if any – alcohol is completely safe for pregnant women to drink.
But it warns drinking in pregnancy can lead to 'long-term harm to the baby', with higher intake presenting the greatest risk.
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