Poland to protect unborn babies of drinking mothers?
08.09.2017

To mark Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, Poland's children's rights ombudsman has asked the president to consider legal protection for the unborn children of women who drink or take drugs during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a range of incurable physical and neurological problems that occur in the womb as the direct result of the mother drinking while pregnant.

Poland's children's rights ombudsman Marek Michalak wants to legally protect such children by having the courts send substance-abusing pregnant women to hospital for treatment.

A bill prepared by Michalak aims to protect both unborn babies and pregnant minors.

If passed, the law would isolate pregnant women for the protection of the fetus and offer medical care, therapy and education.

According to the State Agency for the Prevention of Alcohol-Related Problems (PARPA), one percent of newborns suffer from being exposed to alcohol in the womb.

Around the world, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome affects 3-9 in every 1,000 live births. (vb/pk)

Source: PAP
Source: Radio Poland: http://thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/324716,Poland-to-protect-unborn-babies-of-drinking-mothers