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Opinion Poll Paper

University of Guelph
PSYC 2410 Behavioural Neuroscience I
Opinion Paper

Professor- Dr Erin Rock

Due- August 1st, 2023

Anushka Joshi
1202724

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Opinion Poll Paper

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition that occurs in individuals who have been

exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. It is characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and

behavioural abnormalities that can lifelong affect the affected individual (Chudley et al.,

2005). FAS is considered a preventable congenital disability, as it can be avoided by

abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. During one of the opinion polls, 74.91% of the

students felt drinking during pregnancy should be a criminal offence, while 25.09% of total

voters were against this. Criminalizing drinking during pregnancy aims to reduce Fetal

Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and FASD by sending a clear message that this behaviour is

unacceptable and can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of the

developing fetus. By making it a criminal offense, society may become more aware of the

dangers and risks associated with drinking during pregnancy, potentially leading to a change

in social norms and attitudes. The fear of legal repercussions may discourage pregnant

women from engaging in this behaviour, ultimately reducing the number of FAS. However,

the effectiveness of such a law depends on proper implementation and enforcement. It is

crucial for governments to provide adequate support and resources for women struggling with

alcohol addiction or dependency during pregnancy, including access to counselling and

treatment programs (Chudley et al., 2005). In conclusion, criminalizing alcohol consumption

during pregnancy can be a step towards reducing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and FASD by

creating a strong deterrent and raising awareness. However, to achieve effective prevention,

support for women with alcohol addiction and targeted educational interventions are equally

essential. By combining legal measures with adequate resources, governments can work

towards minimizing the occurrence of FAS and promoting healthier pregnancies for the well-

being of both mothers and their unborn children (Chudley et al., 2005; May et al., 2009).

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Opinion Poll Paper

References

Chudley, A., Conry, J., Cook, J., Loock, C., Rosales, T., & LeBlanc, N. (2005). Fetal Alcohol

Spectrum Disorder: Canadian Guidelines For Diagnosis. Canadian Medical Association

Journal, 5_suppl(172), S1-S21. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1040302

May, P., Gossage, J., Kalberg, W., Robinson, L., Buckley, D., Manning, M., … & Hoyme, H.

(2009). Prevalence and Epidemiologic Characteristics Of Fasd From Various Research

Methods With An Emphasis On Recent In-school Studies. Developmental Disabilities

Research Reviews, 3(15), 176–192. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddrr.68