Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network begins campaign
By Adnews Staff
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network has begun a new national social media campaign intended to raise awareness of the issue of sex leading to unplanned pregnancy due to the consumption of alcohol. The eight-week campaign will particularly focus on the risk of using alcohol to cope with the “stress, anxiety and boredom” resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organization, the message of the campaign is that drinking alcohol while having unprotected sex is risky since any amount of alcohol can affect fetal development. It also encourages couples who are attempting to conceive to refrain from alcohol.
The effort is aimed at both women and men and consists of Facebook and YouTube ads that will run until Sept. 7 in Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton, Halifax and Yellowknife. It also includes a web-based content at <http://www.thinkfasd.ca>.
“Many Canadians may be stressed and anxious during the pandemic and might turn to alcohol to feel better,” said Audrey McFarlane, executive director of the organization. “We feel it's an important time in our history to ensure that couples who are sexually active and consuming alcohol are aware of the risk of FASD.”