WHO Did Not Ban Women of Childbearing Age from Drinking Alcohol

Misbar’s investigation concluded that the WHO’s “Global alcohol action plan 2022-2030” report does not advocate banning alcohol consumption among women of childbearing age. The report’s aim is to reduce alcohol-related problems, prevent alcohol use disorders, and address alcohol-related public health issues. The report was a part of the WHO’s SAFER initiative to reduce alcohol-related harm.

The portion of the report that instigated the controversy states: “It is necessary to raise awareness among decision-makers and the general public about the risks and harms associated with alcohol consumption. Appropriate attention should be given to prevention of the initiation of drinking among children and adolescents, prevention of drinking among pregnant women and women of childbearing age…” According to the WHO, women of reproductive age are between 15 and 49 years old.

The report never mentions banning women of reproductive age from consuming alcohol. The only ban that the report advocates for is a ban on the marketing of alcohol. The suggestion regarding women of child-bearing age is to raise awareness of risks rather than suggesting policy changes.

In a statement to Newsweek regarding the controversy, a WHO representative clarified what was meant by “prevention of drinking among pregnant women and women of childbearing age.” They stated that the organization does not recommend complete alcohol abstinence for women within this age range. The aim was to “raise awareness of the serious consequences that can result from drinking alcohol while pregnant, even when the pregnancy is not yet known."