The World Health Organisation have been accused of “scaremongering” after suggesting that women of childbearing age should avoid drinking alcohol entirely because it may harm their chances of giving birth.
Abstinence at conception and during pregnancy is generally recommended because a safe level of fetal alcohol consumption hasn’t been established. But, advising all women of child bearing age not to drink alcohol is paternalistic. Many may not want to have children or be on contraception. Furthermore, research shows men’s sperm counts are falling and there may be a male factor which explains miscarriages.
Our Opinion
At the Big Fertility Project we believe in providing people with the most up to date research to allow them to decide what is right for them. Read our Guide to Alcohol, Fertility and IVF.