OREANDA-NEWS. The World Health Organization has proposed a ban on drinking for women of childbearing age, according to the draft Global Action Plan against Alcohol for 2022 - 2030.

According to the document, countries should raise public awareness of the dangers of alcoholic beverages, but special attention should be paid to children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

This is due to the fact that drinking alcohol before and while carrying a child can lead to the development of various diseases and disorders in him, as well as to the appearance of problems with social behavior and learning ability, the text says.

It is noted that this also has a negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the mother.

Thus, the WHO concluded that the best option would be a complete refusal of women from alcohol.

These statements drew widespread criticism among netizens, and the organization itself was accused of sexism. According to the Daily Mail, British alcohol companies called the organization's proposal "sexist and paternalistic." So, the executive director of Alcohol Change UK Richard Piper said: although alcohol can really harm the fetus, you should not limit the free will of an adult. “It is important for people to be aware of these risks,” he stressed.