Alcohol and Pregnancy, The French Approach

1
Alcohol and Pregnancy, The French Approach

• Alexis Capitant
• Directeur Général
• Entreprise Prévention
• TAG Forum, 19 October 2005

2
The FAS in France

• A real public health problem
• About 1 of newborn suffer from FAS 7,000 babies
  each year 3,000 are very seriously affected.
• Particularly in Nord-Pas de Calais, Bretagne and
  Réunion Island.

3
The FAS in France

• quite ignored until recently
• No public information campaign before 2004.
• Medical staff dont/didnt know a lot about FAS.
• Tools from Entreprise Prévention have always
  recommended abstinence during pregnancy, but no
  specific campaign.

4
2004 FAS makes headlines

• Some paediatricians advocate a mandatory warning
  label on packaging advising pregnant women not to
  drink.
• A Member of Parliament from La Réunion tries and
  fails to get this proposal adopted.
• August 2004 the media takes up the issue. The
  Health Minister annonces his decision to
  legislate product labeling.
• January 2005 a law is adopted with terms and
  conditions to be defined by Decree.

5
Entreprise Prévention approach (1)

• As for any risk about alcohol, EP has always
  defended targeted prevention measures, considered
  more effective than simple regulatory ones.
• Regarding alcohol and pregnancy, studies show
  that labeling is largely ineffective in changing
  behaviour, especially for women with alcohol
  problems
• But labeling could raise awareness about FAS.

6
Entreprise Prévention approach (2)

• EP argues in favour of targeted prevention
  measures, but is not fighting against labeling
  because the French population is unaware of FAS
  risk.
• The labeling law finally includes measures such
  as annual information meetings on FAS in
  secondary schools and special sessions in the
  context of initial and vocational training for
  healthcare professionals.

7
Entreprise Prévention approach (3)

• In parallel to the adoption of the legislation,
  EP has set up prevention campaigns about FAS.
• In 2004,partnership with REUNISAFa network of
  doctors, educators and social workers in La
  Réunion Island to produce
• Leaflets, videos in schools.
• Information stands in shopping centres.
  

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Entreprise Prévention approach (4)
Partnership with the French Gynaecologist Trade
Association

• Campaign to promote dialogue on alcohol between a
  woman and her gynaecologist.
• Tools leaflets and posters for waiting rooms,
  guide for medical staff.
• To be set up and assessed at the begining of 2006.

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Terms and conditions of the warning label on
packaging (1)

• Producers can choose between
• A written message
•  Consumption of alcoholic beverages during
  pregnancy, even in small amounts, can seriously
  damage the childs health 

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Terms and conditions of the warning label on
packaging (2)

• Or a pictogram

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Terms and conditions of the warning on packaging
(3)

• The warning label has to be visible, readable and
  clearly understandable.
• Stocks of products without warning labels must be
  sold within two years.
• The Decree has just been sent to the Commission
  for approval under the EUs internal market
  rules.
• gt Implementation expected in February or March
  2006 at the earliest.

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Conclusion

• FAS is a good example of the specificity of the
  French approach to public health issues
• Regulatory measures first.
• Political concern is more important than a search
  for effectiveness.
• Weakness of public funds allocated to prevention
  (targeted campaigns).