Every year in B.C., about 140 babies are born with fetal alcohol syndrome, their lives blighted by severe disabilities caused by their mothers' drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Many more children, whose numbers are unknown, never reach their potential because of fetal alcohol problems that are less obvious and often not diagnosed. Our jails are also over-populated with adults whose fetal alcohol problems set them up for a life of crime.
The fact that this condition is preventable makes it a double tragedy. "There's no way to sugar coat it," B.C. children's commissioner Paul Pallan said in a report last week on fetal alcohol syndrome.
The good news: The issue is now getting high-level attention. There was a pledge in the federal throne speech to reduce the numbers of affected newborns in aboriginal communities. There is Mr. Pallan's report and there are promises by Children and Families Minister Ed John to tackle the problem.
Mr. Pallan's report demands better access to services and support for those affected by FAS. He recommends education for everybody, but especially for staff at drinking establishments, health professionals and students, to raise awareness about the risks of mixing alcohol and pregnancy. Because FAS is especially common in First Nations communities, Mr. Pallan urges help for them to identify the underlying causes of drinking and develop local solutions.
The report says at least two more diagnostic and support centres are needed, on Vancouver Island and in the North. The earlier children with this condition are diagnosed and helped, the better their chances of living a normal life.
Inevitably, these measures will not be enough. As Mr. Pallan points out, "fetal alcohol syndrome and partial FAS are complex issues." Alcoholism may have roots in poverty, emotional, physical and sexual abuse and a debilitating lack of optimism.
Major social change that goes far beyond the scope of Mr. Pallan's report would be the only certain way to eliminate fetal alcohol problems. However, his recommendations are a good start.
Meanwhile, there's also a strong case to be made for people taking responsibility for their own actions. Women, their families and entire communities have to shoulder more responsibility for educating themselves about FAS and helping pregnant women abstain from alcohol.
If we need more of an impetus to act, consider that it costs an estimated $2 million to support each child with fetal alcohol syndrome over a lifetime. Mr. Pallan points out that the bill to implement his solutions doesn't come close to that.
We've argued that the incumbent government lacks a mandate to begin new programs or spend more money because of the election in the offing, but we've also repeatedly said that children must come before politics. The federal government has pledged resources to reduce FAS, there is widespread support and the time to act is now. Mr. John should immediately implement the recommendations of the children's commissioner.