This section is about improving our response to pregnant women and mothers with substance use problems, and integrating women-centred, health-oriented approaches in prevention and policy initiatives designed to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Women’s health advocates, including researchers at the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health have been actively involved  in promoting  a multi-level, public health oriented response to women’s use of alcohol in pregnancy, and in the local, regional and national efforts to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  The documents here reflect this work.

In addition, BCCEWH researchers lead the Network Action Team (NAT) on FASD Prevention from a Women’s Health Determinants Perspective, a part of the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network. The NAT promotes prevention of FASD from a women-centred, harm-reduction-oriented perspective. The ongoing virtual community meetings of the NAT foster inter-jurisdictional linkages between researchers and community collaborators, and link researchers, service providers, and policy advisors across the four western provinces and three northern territories. Together, members build knowledge on the interwoven domains of addictions, mental health, and FASD prevention through work with women and their support systems.

Here you can link to:

- Information sheets that reflect virtual discussions held by the NAT and vCoPs which have discussed issues related to pregnancy, mothering and substance use

- Other Documents available online that are of interest

- Webcast presentations

- Links to websites related to pregnancy mothering and substance use