Regina mom wants law to prevent pregnant women from drinking

A Regina woman concerned about fetal acohol syndrome wants to make it illegal for women to drink while pregnant.

Heather Greenlay, a young mother who wants to become a social worker, has started an online petition calling for a law to be drafted making it illegal for pregnant women to consume alcohol. She's concerned about the neurological damage alcohol can do to an unborn child.

She would like to see women tested for alcohol use at pre-natal visits. She plans to present her petition to the federal government.

Greenlay said she has had mostly positive feedback to the petition, but there have been negative comments, too.

"One girl said it's none of my business, that I should mind my own business because Canada's a free country and women should be able to make their own choices. But I don't believe that. They're having a baby and they're not able to make their own choices."

However, Rae Mitten, a Saskatoon lawyer who has done extensive research on FAS, says that's the wrong approach.

"By using legal sanctions, I think we will drive the problem underground," she said. "And then women won't seek treatment … for fear of being detected and then charged."

Mitten said governments and liquor companies have a responsibility to educate people about the use of alcohol.