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On this World Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Day, new studies are taking stock. While the fight to achieve alcohol-free pregnancies is not over, the figures in France are rather encouraging. With some good news: fathers are making it a personal cause.
In France, currently, approximately 500,000 people suffer from the consequences of their mother’s alcohol consumption. And while we know full well that alcohol is bad during pregnancy, only one in two French people say they know about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the disorders caused by fetal alcohol. Fortunately, mentalities are changing and so are behaviors.
The share of future supportive dads is increasing
On the occasion of September 9, World Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Day, SAF France presented the results of a study on the behavior of partners during their partner’s pregnancy. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the research firm OpinionWay, reveals that 53% of men voluntarily stopped or reduced their alcohol consumption to support their partner during the pregnancy.
- 8% of men say they stop drinking alcohol during their partner’s pregnancy;
- 45% of men said they reduced their consumption to support their pregnant partners;
- 31% have not stopped or reduced their alcohol consumption;
- 16% have not changed anything because they do not consume alcohol.
For Dr Denis Lamblin, President of SAF France, these results show significant progress:
“CThese figures are encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact of our awareness campaigns. They demonstrate that the actions carried out in the regions and at the national level are resulting in concrete changes in family behavior. From the moment a father is wanted, the involvement of fathers is essential to support future mothers in an alcohol-free pregnancy.”
Consumption during pregnancy remains a current challenge
However, this male involvement in the fight against alcohol during pregnancy cannot overshadow a problem that is still present, since alcohol consumption during pregnancy still concerns 27% of French women (38% in Île-de-France). The main reason given? These mothers do not know the real consequences of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Each year in France, it is estimated that 15,000 babies are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, an alarming number that reflects the leading cause of preventable disability. These disorders can lead to lifelong disabilities in terms of health, cognitive development and social behavior. The need to intensify prevention efforts is therefore urgent to reduce these numbers and protect future generations.