(WFLA) — A new recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control is being met with some backlash. It suggests that women avoid alcohol unless they use contraception.
Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
“Remember, about six months ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out and said no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. This goes along with that,” said Dr. Jill Hechtman.
But, some women find the recommendation condescending.
“They want fewer babies with fetal alcohol syndrome, that’s a great thing to want. To tell all young women, as a potential baby vessel, here’s our new recommendation for you, that’s where it gets a little bit muddied,” said Washington Post Opinion Columnist Alexandra Petri.
According to the CDC, half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. And even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so when they might still be drinking.
“The point is, you never know so, because of that, protect yourself. If you are going to choose to drink alcohol make sure you are protected so you don’t have the whoops moment,” said Dr. Hechtman.
Dr. Hechtman also understands why the new recommendation is rubbing some people the wrong way.
“I think the CDC recommendation is very responsible. I’m not 100% certain on the practicality but it should make you think, ‘If I’m going to be drinking alcohol am I protected, so I don’t have one of those moments?’,” she said.
