Introduction

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to the effects that consuming alcohol during pregnancy may have on new-born infants. I have chosen this political issue after taking a closer look at the symptoms. I am interested in how many children and their families are affected by this and what the problem is in New Zealand. What intrigues me the most is I see advertising against drinking during pregnancy in doctors clinics, at my local polytechnic and on websites such as facebook. I wonder, why pregnant woman continue to drink? Stuff (2014) reported an estimated 3000 New Zealand children are born with the syndrome each year. They also reported some children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder are misdiagnosed. Misdiagnoses can cause health issues further in life as they use medicines for illnesses they do not necessarily have, this causes wasted resources and money.