Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the $24 million in support of families and their babies with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FSAD) announced by the Commonwealth Government today.
FASD is a lifelong disability caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy, impacting on the physical health, learning, communication, social and motor skills of children.
On International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, the importance of staying alcohol-free throughout pregnancy is being highlighted, especially given it is a 100 per cent preventable disability.
Alarmingly, around 50 per cent of women from all backgrounds drink at some point during their pregnancy and almost a quarter will continue drinking after they know they are pregnant.
The National Health and Medical Research Council recommend that women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not drink.
In May this year the Tasmanian Government listened to the community and put the health and safety of families first by voting to approve mandatory, highly visible pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
Pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages raise awareness and encourage behaviour change.
If you need help or support or have any questions, contact the NOFASD Helpline on 1800 860 613.
