Achieving safer pregnancies and thriving babies is within reach here and now. The key is finally taking robust action on these public health measures. The next generation deserves no less.
The focus of this Journal of Public Health article, published 18 August 2018, is on public health actions that should have been implemented in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) years ago, but were not.
Overview
- Profiles in procrastination
- Case 1: Not fortifying flour with vitamin B9
- Case 2: Minimizing the existence and importance of foetal alcohol harm
- Case 3: Failing to control access to, and gain informed consent about, valproate prescribing for women of reproductive age
- The price of passivity
- The causes of inaction
- Replacing inaction with accomplishment
- Replacing inaction with accomplishment
Abstract
It is assumed that long-established research findings and internationally accepted evidence should, and will, be translated into policy and practice. Knowledge about what prevents harm and promotes health has, in fact, guided and resulted in numerous beneficial public health actions. However, such is not always the case.
The authors examine three notable, and unwelcome, exceptions in the UK—all in the field of reproductive health and all focused on the period prior to pregnancy. The three examples of counterproductive inaction discussed are:
- fortifying flour with Vitamin B9 (folic acid);
- preventing foetal alcohol spectrum disorders;
- and reducing risks and better regulating a highly teratogenic medication (valproate).
The adverse consequences, as well as the causes, of inaction are analysed for each example. Reasons for optimism, and recommendations for overcoming inaction, are also offered, in particular, greater priority should be accorded to preconception health, education and care.