What can be done to prevent FASD?

Prevention of FASD is a national priority area in the Australian Government’s National
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028.19

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This strategy highlights the need to focus on partners, families, and broader social norms around alcohol in Australia instead of presenting FASD as a women’sissue. The
Plan includes two Prevention Objectives:

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• reduce access to and consumption of alcohol in the Australian community
• increase community knowledge and awareness about the harms and consequences of drinking during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.19
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The following section provides a brief overview of what healthcare providers,
communities, families, partners and friends can do to prevent FASD.
What support can healthcare providers offer?
Healthcare providers play a critical role in having conversations with women during
pregnancy about alcohol use. There are several ways that they can do this. These
include providing accurate and timely information and universal screening.

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