Guiding Towards an Ideal Beginning for Everyone's Advantage

In September of every year, the "Day of the Alcohol-Affected Child" is observed in Germany, a day dedicated to raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and the consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This yearly event is a significant reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing FASD, as it encompasses prenatal damages caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), who held the position as of September 2025, has been a strong advocate for the prevention of FASD. She emphasizes that abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is essential for the child's health, as there is currently no safe limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Individuals with FASD experience lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. These impairments can include concentration difficulties, delayed speech development, hyperactivity, impaired social behavior, and various other challenges. Even if a child appears normal at birth, maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to lasting brain damage.

It's crucial to provide support for individuals with FASD throughout all life phases and areas, from kindergarten to the workplace. Early education is crucial to highlight the lifelong impacts of FASD. Information on FASD can be found on various resources, such as the Federal Drug Commissioner's website (https://www.bundesdrogenbeauftragter.de/) and FASD-Deutschland's website (https://www.fasd-deutschland.de/).

The Robert Koch Institute's shop also offers information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: https://shop.rki.de/. Additionally, the Saxony Family website provides information on healthy pregnancy: https://www.familie.sachsen.de/gesunde-schwangerschaft-7369.html.

It's important to note that FASD can affect individuals across all social classes. Estimates suggest that around 10,000 newborns in Germany are affected by alcohol-related damages each year. Prenatal damages may manifest later through physical symptoms like growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and organ damage.

The attention of partners, friends, family, and healthcare providers is equally important in addressing FASD. Health Minister Petra Köpping states that during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's essential to abstain from alcohol for the child's health.

In conclusion, the "Day of the Alcohol-Affected Child" serves as a reminder of the need for continued awareness and prevention efforts regarding FASD. By educating ourselves and others, we can help ensure a healthier future for all children.