There are many things in this world that drive us to drink, like getting out of bed in the morning for a start.

For some women it’s carrying a tiny human inside of their womb, and now they have the law on their side to back them up – in New York City, at least.

The city has prohibited restaurants and bars from refusing to serve pregnant women, saying that doing so would be discrimination. More from the New York Times:

“While covered entities may attempt to justify certain categorical exclusions based on maternal or fetal safety, using safety as a pretext for discrimination or as a way to reinforce traditional gender norms or stereotypes is unlawful,” the guidance released by the Commission on Human Rights on Friday says.

That would also apply to foods deemed risky during pregnancy, such as raw fish or soft cheese. But it’s alcohol consumption by pregnant women that has long driven the touchiest debates over private etiquette and public policy.

That takes care of the legal aspects, but what does the medical fraternity have to say about expectant mothers enjoying a bevvie?

Several medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Surgeon General’s Office, discourage any alcohol consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gone even further, recommending that sexually active women who are not using birth control abstain from alcohol.

Nonetheless, many expectant mothers allow themselves an occasional glass of wine, encouraged in part by research showing that small amounts of alcohol may not be harmful. According to the C.D.C., about 10 percent of pregnant women drink alcohol.

To each their own really, a women’s body is hers and hers alone so if she fancies a tipple who am I to say no…

[source:newyorktimes]

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