TO LABEL OR NOT TO LABEL: THE PROS AND CONS OF ALCOHOL WARNING LABELS IN PREGNANCY

There is a public and professional debate on the usefulness of alcohol warning labels. This paper presents the major arguments in favor and against such labeling in the context of alcohol use in pregnancy. lcohol warning labels were initially introduced in 1989 to provide the public with repetitive reminders of the teratogenic potential of alcohol use. There are strong arguments in favor of the ability of the labels to change public attitudes, making drinking in pregnancy an unacceptable norm. However, studies have repeatedly shown that the warning label does not change drinking behaviors among heavy drinkers and may actually lead to unnecessary anxiety and pregnancy terminations among low-risk pregnant women. Do the benefits of the alcohol warning label outweigh these potential consequences? This paper will outline the risks of alcohol consumption in pregnancy, the