The website BuzzFeed recently re-posted a widely-read article from 2019 titled “This Waiter Gave A Pregnant Customer Virgin Cocktails When She Ordered Alcoholic Ones — Who’s The [profanity for a very rude person]?”  Without commenting on the particular actions taken by the people in the article, it is important to clarify the longstanding medical consensus on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.  The fact is that no amount or type of alcohol can be considered safe during pregnancy, a crucial point that is left out of BuzzFeed’s article. 

Controversial and provocative topics may get clicks, but prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) deserves serious attention and recognition in the media.  PAE can result in FASD, a range of lifelong developmental disabilities.  FASD is not rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 20 children in the U.S.  Each person with FASD is unique, with effects ranging from learning and socialization issues to physical health problems. 

Media outlets, such as BuzzFeed, can play an important role in educating the public and empowering the FASD community.  The news media can make a positive difference by reporting on the latest research on alcohol and pregnancy. BuzzFeed is uniquely positioned, as a source of society and culture pieces, to feature stories that highlight the challenges and successes of people living with FASD. 

FASD United educates the public and systems of care on PAE and FASD, while respecting the personal right of pregnant people to make their own health decisions, free of outside coercion.  While we can’t presume what is best for each individual, we take seriously the warning signs that are posted in bars and restaurants throughout the country that warn of the risks of alcohol and pregnancy.  Non-alcoholic “mocktails” are a great alternative for people who choose not to drink for whatever reason, such as pregnancy, addiction recovery, or health reasons. 

We need to educate health systems and other systems of care on FASD.  We do this by sharing the facts, informed by scientific research and personal experience, so these systems can be FASD-informed and accommodate the needs of people with FASD.   

We invite media outlets, such as BuzzFeed, to join us in our mission to empower the FASD community to be more recognized and supported throughout society so that FASD is given a seat at the table where decisions are made.  We look forward to future media coverage that enlightens the public on FASD and rises to the level that the FASD community deserves.