Don't overstate the risks of drinking while pregnant

A policy of preaching 'abstinence only' [re: alcohol consumption in pregnancy] seems more than a little paternalistic - not to say, patronising. . . . Where the available evidence doesn't allow a straightforward, unambiguous answer to a question like 'how much is it safe to drink during pregnancy?', an honest response would be to admit as much to a patient. . . . '[S]o-called 'heavy' and 'moderate' drinking harm the unborn baby. Very light drinking may or may not.' What is the problem with telling pregnant women this? Such uncertainties are part and parcel of every adult's life. BioNews