Binge drinking affects unborn children

Dr Jonathan Sher, director of research, policy and programmes at Children in Scotland, compiled a report on the effects of alcohol abuse during the first three months of pregnancy. The child can experience visible birth defects such as face malformations, as well as brain damage. In its less severe cases, children can experience severe learning difficulties. Dr. Sher who has submitted the report both to the UK and the Scottish Parliament mentioned that foetal alcohol syndrome, (FAS) damages might not necessarily be apparent at birth, but might become evident later in life. He stated that one of the effects of alcohol abuse during the early lives of the foetus include damage to " a person’s ability to plan, learn from experience and control impulses -- to be significantly diminished by foetal alcohol exposure. This happens because alcohol is a teratogenic agent (meaning a chemical that interferes with the normal development of a foetus). Some of this teratogenic harm can occur during the first weeks following conception – i.e., even before the
pregnancy has been realised and confirmed by the mother."

It is particulalry tragic that as many as 900 children in Scotland are affected by FAS. The Church of Scotland, through Rev. Ian Galloway, Convener of the Church and Society Council, has had a very clear policy against alcohol abuse and has spoken on repeated ocassions in support of the minimum pricing of alcohol.

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Photograph taken by Emery Co Photo

Minimum Price on Alcohol is backed up by Children's Charities

A number of Children's charities has backed up the proposal for a minimum pricing on alcohol in an attempt to curve down the drinking problem in Scotland. Research commissioned by Childline Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems has found out that children suffer emotional and psychological damage as a direct result of parental alcohol abuse. Children who phone Childline often speak of physical violence, abuse and neglect. Children should be protected from harm, and the signatory charities are urging the government to implement an alcohol policy that puts children's needs above all other interests.
Ian Galloway, Convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland has spoken in favour of the campaign on minimum pricing of alcohol.