However, we can do even more to reduce drunk driving deaths. Through our individual actions we can do much right now to protect ourselves and others. For more information, visit Drinking and Driving . While the moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with better health and longer life than is abstinence, the heavy consumption of alcohol, especially over a period of many years, can lead to serious health problems and even death. Each and every case of FAS is a needless tragedy.
Victims suffer serious physical deformities and often mental deficiencies.
And, they suffer these problems for their entire lives. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recently conducted a study including 400,000 American women, all of whom had consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Not a single case of FAS occurred and no adverse effects on children were found when consumption was under 8.5 drinks per week. While it would appear that moderate consumption is safe, the safer choice would be to abstain. Of course, tobacco and illegal drugs are clearly to be avoided, and a pregnant woman should maintain good nutrition and see her physician on a regular basis throughout her pregnancy.