Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Toolkit

Sample media article 1

Sample press feature article - Spread the word 'Alcohol and Pregnancy Don't Mix' Preventing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is possible and, on International FASD Awareness Day, 9th September, you can help spread the word.

FAS and FASD describe a range of birth defects that can result in damage affecting learning and behaviour. If you want to be sure that your baby will not be born with alcohol related brain damage, the message is clear - avoid alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy, while breastfeeding or planning to conceive. Pre-pregnancy advice is included because fetal alcohol harm can occur during the weeks before a pregnancy is confirmed.

Preventing FASD is possible, meaningful and necessary. In Scotland, there has been a significant rise in the number of women of childbearing age who drink heavily. [Insert your local data on female alcohol consumption here.}

Prevention requires a good understanding of the range of permanent birth defects associated with alcohol consumption. Awareness needs to be better among the general public because women need support from as many people as possible. We all have a role to play-as colleagues, friends, family members and partners- and our role is just as important as that of health professionals.

Sample media article 2

Men and women with artificial pregnancy bumps will "freeze" for several minutes at various locations across xxx to drive home the message that alcohol and pregnancy do not mix.

With balloons under their clothes to simulate pregnancy, they will stand still as statues on September 9th to remind people that stopping drinking for nine months will protect their baby from alcohol related birth defects (FASD).

These include brain damage which can lead to learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

The message is being delivered by the xxxxx Alcohol and Drug Partnership in (...locations),and is part of an international effort to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The date - the 9th day of the 9th month - represents the duration of a pregnancy.

AW, the Chairperson of the Alcohol and Drug Partnership said "Children affected by FASD often show a variety of learning difficulties and behavioural problems and may be regarded as being wilful or undisciplined, when in fact they have little control over their behaviour. They are not being naughty; the damage to their brain and nervous system caused by alcohol means they truly cannot help it. As with all children, building on their strengths rather than their difficulties is the best approach."

BZ (Health Promotion Officer or Midwifery Lead) said "Everyone can play a constructive role in raising awareness and preventing fetal alcohol harm, and families can be particularly supportive. It is vital that we reach prospective mothers and their partners earlier and more persuasively with factual information and practical guidance."

Notes to Editors:
A Pregnant Pause will be held at
(Date, Time and Place)
Events taking place are.. …
For more information please contact …….