Store signage to teach women about fetal alcohol Syndrome
Boise, Idaho -- State lawmakers heard arguments concerning a bill that would force anyone who sells liquor to post signs that warn about fetal alcohol syndrome. Officials say kids who have been affected cost the Department of Health and Welfare about $5 million, but at the top of their list of issues is the damage that alcohol is doing to unborn children.
"In the United States, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the number one preventable cause of birth defects," said Rep. Sharon Block (R-Twin Falls).
Block spoke to the House Health and Welfare Committee, discussing a bill she co-wrote which would force businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores to post signage -- spelling out the dangers of drinking when pregnant.
"Alcohol produces the most serious neuro-behavioral effects when compared to other drugs, including heroine, cocaine, and marijuana," said Block.
Block says in her career as a teacher, she saw these problems far to often, even among kids in her class.
"Poor coordination, hyperactive behavior, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental retardation, or low I.Q.s," Block said.
Many in attendance said they generally favored the idea of educating pregnant mothers about fetal alcohol syndrome, even members of the Idaho Retailers Association.
The only concern was the idea of additional signage.
"Pretty soon the whole store will just be labels everywhere," said Pam Eaton, president of the Idaho Retailers Association.
As a pregnant mother herself, Eaton believes most women are already well aware of the dangers. They're warned about it and other issues like drinking caffeine and eating fish every time they visit the doctor.
She's afraid this is just one more thing that will really only affect the stores that the signs will be forced upon.
"And we already have so many regulations, and we're being asked to lock things up behind counters and get ID's for various things," Eaton explained.
But according to Block, the signage is at least a good place to start in hopes of turning at least a few pregnant women away from taking that next drink.
"These beautiful children suffered various forms of mental and behavioral impairment. And committee members, this could have been completely prevented," Block said.
Should the bill eventually become law, you could begin seeing signs above beer coolers, as shelf tags in wine sections, and even in the restrooms of some of your favorite restaurants.
Contributor: Peggy Seo Oba
