The Ministry of Health says about 1800 to 3000 babies may be born with FASD each year in New Zealand.
Ingram’s petition, signed by 1189 people, asked for “Pregnant? Don’t Drink” signs to be displayed within and on the doors of every liquor store to advise pregnant women of the risks associated with drinking alcohol.
It was presented to the House by Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford in February last year, and was considered at Parliament last month.
The petitions committee recommended the House amend the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013 to require that warning signs about FASD be displayed in any premises for which a licence is held.
McKee told the Bay of Plenty Times that the committee’s final report was referred to her for response on August 21.
“FASD is a serious issue, and the Government is taking it seriously, including by directing more of the alcohol levy toward identifying and funding cost-effective interventions to reduce it,” she said.
Last year, the Government boosted funding by $4.6 million to prevent FASD, improve diagnosis and strengthen support for affected families.
In July, the Government announced a $9m investment in three community-based hubs for FASD in Rotorua/Kawerau, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.
McKee said the question was whether additional mandatory signs would “materially change behaviour and reduce harm and whether there is a more effective way of reducing the harm for less cost”.
Any new regulations should be supported by “clear evidence that they are likely to achieve their intended purpose”.
Ingram said he expected the signage cost to fall on the alcohol companies.
He said one commercial printer estimated the cost to be 30 to 40 cents per page.
“To me, it’s as clear as your nose on your face that it would be effective because everyone passing through the door of a liquor outlet would see it … ”
He said his petition aligned with the Government’s intentions to reduce the incidence of FASD.
“It’s all about the children, our next generation.”
His mission was to normalise non-consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and increase awareness for pregnant women, the father-to-be, their families and friends.
He said a friend had adopted a child years ago. It was later revealed that the child had been affected by FASD and had problems with socialising and learning.
Ingram was driving by the police station on Willow St and passed a sign that said, “Drinking? Don’t Drive”.
“My mind switched it round to ‘Pregnant? Don’t Drink’. Direct, unequivocal, just three words.”
Rutherford said Ingram had been a “really tireless advocate” on the issue.
“I think the recommendation from the committee recognises the serious and lifelong impacts that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can have on individuals and families.
“In my view, it is entirely preventable, yet it affects thousands of New Zealanders and it does carry an enormous social and economic cost.
“Having simple, high-visibility warning signs in licensed premises are, in my view, a really practical, low-cost way to raise awareness, support alcohol-free pregnancies and help prevent harm before it occurs.”
Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.