The Irish Medical Organisation is calling for pregnant women to be screened for alcohol use.
In a measure to reduce the amount of alcohol-related birth defects among newborns, the IMO has called for more stringent screening of pregnant women for alcohol use during pregnancy.
Dr Ann Hogan, the IMO's former President says the tests would benefit both doctors and patients.
Dr Hogan said: "It gives the doctor an opportunity to make a brief intervention which has been proven to be effective in stopping drinking during pregnancy and in other behavioural issues."
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS can cause a number of lifelong difficulties for children, including:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Behavior or learning problems
- Nerve or brain abnormalities
Would you be in favour of increased alcohol screening for pregnant women?
