MPP Arnott eyes measures to protect children from damage caused by alcohol
Looking at labelling bottles to warn pregnant women about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
MPP Ted Arnott believes that action is needed to protect children from the damage caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy, damage that can result in lifelong harm to children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
"This is a serious problem in many communities in Ontario,” Mr. Arnott said. “With better education and information, it is entirely preventable. We need to do more to ensure that every single expectant mother is informed of the risks to her baby if she takes a drink of alcohol. Unfortunately, many don't know that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can result in lifelong problems."
Ms. Chris Margetson, a senior FASD consultant who has provided services for families in Wellington County and throughout the Province, provided Mr. Arnott with some key information about the harm that can be caused by drinking during pregnancy. She stated that FASD is a spectrum of neurological and physical disabilities, caused when women drink alcohol during pregnancy.
At least one in every one hundred children is born with FASD in North America, according to Ms. Margetson, who also says that under no circumstances, should women drink any alcohol during any trimester of pregnancy.
“The Provincial Government should do whatever it can to eliminate the harm that is done to children, in this case before they are even born. Unfortunately, we are not doing enough,” Mr. Arnott said. “That is why I'm doing some research and consultation, and considering a Private Member's Bill to highlight the issue in the Ontario Legislature.”
Mr. Arnott notes that in the United States there is legislation in place at the federal level requiring that all alcoholic beverages for sale or distribution in that country carry a label warning the public about health risks associated with alcohol, specifically including birth defects. He also pointed to the warnings that are currently on cigarette packages in Canada.
“I'm looking at the possibility of introducing a Private Member's Bill that would require all bottles containing alcoholic beverages, that are sold in Ontario, to include a warning on the label that could help prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” Mr. Arnott concluded.
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