Warning Labels on Alcohol

It is very disconcerting to listen to logical testimony in favor of SB 96 in the Senate Health Committee hearing and then have only three courageous members of the committee vote “yes” for the bill. The remaining six members did not even have the courage to vote one way or the other. (Maddy was absent.) This makes one wonder what motives our legislators have, and who they really represent.

For those not acquainted with SB 96, it would require the following label on containers of beer, wine, and distilled spirits in California:

“WARNING: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and low birth weight.”

Because alcohol is the third leading cause of birth defects involving mental retardation in the United States, and because alcohol is the only legal drug causing birth defects that is not labeled, we feel that labeling alcohol containers is an important step in prevention.

It is important for consumers to understand what effects alcohol may have on the unborn baby. Four thousand babies are born in this state each year suffering from fetal alcohol effects, costing the state $144 million each year. If the labeling of alcohol containers only prevents a small percentage of these tragedies, it is worth the support of our legislators.

SHARON ROSE

Legislative Chairman

Californians for Drug-Free

Youth, Inc.

Thousand Oaks