Drinking during pregnancy 'could be made illegal'

A legal test case brought by a council could make drinking while pregnant a criminal offence.

15:42 05 November 2014

A local authority in the North West of England has brought forward a proposal that could make drinking while pregnant a criminal case.

 

The examine case - which could trigger a massive shift in British law - involves a six-year-old girl who has “growth retardation” because her mother consumed alcohol while pregnant. The council is now seeking criminal injuries compensation, which would be paid by the taxpayer and not the child’s mother. 

 

If the Court of Appeals rule against the mother, this could lead to the criminalisation of drinking alcohol while pregnant. 

 

The council’s attorney said: "The mum was drinking excessively and was warned not to - so we believe it's a crime as set down by the definition of the scheme."

 

Meanwhile, Clare Murphy from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service said the case risks setting a dangerous precedent.

 

“If a woman finds herself in this situation we really need them to confide in health professionals, not criminalising pregnant women when what they need is help and resources," she said.