Campaign on the Dangers of Alcohol Consumption for Pregnant Women

Saxony’s Ministry of Social Affairs is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Starting Monday, posts on this topic will be shared via the ministry’s social media channels, the ministry announced. The campaign’s slogan is “100 Percent Love – 0 Percent Alcohol.” The message will be reinforced in public spaces through CityCards, bakery bags, coasters, stickers, and an educational video. The campaign runs through September 9.

The development of the unborn child can be significantly impaired

The focus is primarily on what are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)—a group of disorders caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy that can significantly impair the development of the unborn child. “Alcohol during pregnancy can have dire consequences. In the worst-case scenario, the child is born with FASD and will require support for the rest of their life,” explained Petra Köpping (SPD), Minister of Social Affairs, who is also responsible for health. 

Alcohol-related developmental disorders are completely preventable

According to Köpping, FASD is 100 percent preventable. “People always say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s absolutely true—even for the time leading up to birth. The responsibility for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child does not rest solely with the expectant mother, but is shared by both future parents, friends, relatives, colleagues, and above all, us as a society as a whole.”

According to the German Center for Addiction Issues, one in five women drinks alcohol even during pregnancy. Although there is now a great deal of knowledge about the consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, pregnant women still hear comments like “It’s just a toast,” “One glass won’t hurt,” or “Toward the end, you can have a drink now and then.” Yet even small amounts of alcohol, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, can lead to irreversible damage.

Every year, 10,000 newborns in Germany are affected

According to statistics, around 10,000 children with FASD are born in Germany every year. At the same time, the actual number of cases is likely much higher, as diagnoses are often not made at all or are made too late. FASD occurs regardless of social class or educational level and is characterized by a wide range of symptoms—including birth defects, growth delays, organic diseases, developmental disorders, and learning difficulties, as well as behavioral problems. FASD is incurable and affects those with the condition throughout their entire lives.