Connections Archive
Cheers! Students alcohol stance protects children
06 June 2008
Four Avondale College primary education students have warned their classmates about the damage women who drink alcohol during pregnancy can cause to unborn children.
Kate Cooper, Larah Cooper, Tahnea Murray and Sally Roe researched foetal alcohol syndrome for a tutorial they presented as part of their curriculum studies in personal development and health. They become so passionate about the condition their lecturer, Dr Marion Shields, suggested they present the tutorial at the college's weekly forum this past Wednesday (June 4).
This is not about binge drinking, they reported, all it takes is one drink early in pregnancy to permanently damage a child. They had been surprised the New South Wales Department of Health suggested only abstinence for pregnant women. They called for students, particularly as they go into their professional careers, to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves-unborn children. Their challenge: spread the message, bring about change and make a difference.
"Hundreds of children are born in Australia each year with permanent disabilities because of maternal or paternal alcohol consumption," says Dr Shields. "Some will suffer severe damage, most will carry learning difficulties and attention and communication problems for the rest of their lives. This is such a shame because foetal alcohol syndrome is 100 per cent preventable."
Non-alcoholic drinks donated by Edenvale Wines, Coles in Morisset and the Mega Fruit Barn in Cooranbong were available in the foyer after forum for sampling of alternatives to alcoholic drinks.
Caption: Sally Roe, Kate Cooper, Tahnea Murray and Larah Cooper raise a toast to the benefits of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy.
Credit: Ann Stafford
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