Dramatic Campaign Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

5528  Dramatic New Nunavut FASD Campaign Targets Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The Huffington Post Canada  | By Arti Patel 

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/09/22/nunavut-fasd-campaign-poster_n_5862264.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-living 

 

Posted: 09/22/2014 2:13 pm EDT Updated: 09/22/2014 2:59 pm EDT

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New dramatic posters by the Government of Nunavut target alcohol and pregnancy | GovernmentofNunavut/Twitter

 

A new series of posters launched by the Government of Nunavut is tackling the topic of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and in particular, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The pair of posters (one in English and one in Inuktitut), are part of a campaign released on Friday advising women not to drink any type of alcohol during pregnancy.

 The poster, which depicts a vivid image of a woman drinking out of a bottle directly linking to her unborn baby, also reads, "Baby or the bottle? Pregnant women should never drink alcohol."


On Twitter, some users found the poster offensive, while others were quick to point out how effective and powerful they found the imagery. According to the CBC, some said they were supportive because it put children first.
The campaign was originally designed by Iqaluit-based graphic design company Atiigo Media Inc., who said on Facebook they were inspired by a similar Russian campaign from 2012.

Last week, a series of new LCBO posters targeting women drinking while pregnant were both celebrated and deemed shameful and offensive, showing the many opinions on this behaviour. 

While Health Canada does not recommend consumption of any type of alcohol during pregnancy, some small studies have shown drinking wine, for example, won't have an effect on your baby.

FASD can lead to a range of physical, cognitive and behavioural disabilities that are a result of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, according to Health Canada. Although FASD is incurable, it is also highly preventable.

CBC adds Nunavut is said to have a high rate of children born with the disorder, but statistics are unavailable. 

Pauktuutit, a national non-profit representing Inuit women in Canada, has implemented programs meant to educate women and front-line workers on the effects of FASD.