Opinion article.

Historically, pregnant women in Ireland were advised to drink stout for its supposed iron-boosting benefits (1), a myth which has become culturally ingrained across parents and medical professionals. Many parents or parents-to-be have reported a mixed understanding of safe and responsible drinking practices when trying for a baby, with one participant even recalling their midwife telling them that “a glass of red wine was actually better for the baby” (2). Such misconceptions can lead to dangerous drinking by parents leading up to and during pregnancy, resulting in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the most under-recognized neurodevelopmental condition worldwide. FASD continues to affect millions of individuals and families, who are often left unsupported and stigmatized. FASD impacts people universally, causing stress to families (3), mental health challenges for individuals (4), and increased financial burdens on education, healthcare, criminal justice, and productivity (5). Despite this, there are few resources for diagnosis or support. Ireland in particular, has one of the highest prevalence rates globally (6), and yet still does not recognize FASD as a disability (7)...