*Updated* Eurocare to co-host alcohol and pregnancy conference- 9 September 2009, Brussels

*Updated* with conference invitation and registration form

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the EU.

It affects about 1% of people in the EU27 (i.e. nearly 5 million people) and is the only one that is 100% preventable.

Unfortunately, many women are not aware that, throughout pregnancy, even at low levels of exposure, alcohol interferes with the normal development and can seriously damage the unborn child. Numerous studies show there are a substantial number of women in the EU who continue to drink during pregnancy. It is estimated that this ranges from 25% in Spain to 35%-50% in the Netherlands and even higher rates in the UK or Ireland (79%).

The umbrella term, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These can include physical, mental, behavioural and or learning disabilities with possible life-long implications.

This meeting will be a unique opportunity for Public authorities and experts to learn more about this condition, share experiences and good practices, and discuss the different policy options to curb its incidence.

Conference details

Place: European Parliament – Brussels Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2009 Time: 08h45

Conference Invitation here

Conference Registration Form here

For more information

Eurocare

Please contact Aleksandra Kaczmarek at info@eurocare.org