Senate Raises Awareness of Fetal Alcohol Disorders

On August 1, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 536) recognizing September 9, 2012, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.

The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) includes several findings:

• The term “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” includes a broader range of conditions than the term “fetal alcohol syndrome” and has replaced the term “fetal alcohol syndrome” as the umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during her pregnancy;
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the leading cause of cognitive disability in Western civilization, including the United States, and are 100 percent preventable;
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause of numerous social disorders, including learning disabilities, school failure, juvenile delinquency, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, and crime;
• In February 1999, a small group of parents with children who suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders united to promote awareness of the devastating consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy by establishing International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day; and
• On the ninth day of the ninth month of each year since 1999, communities around the world have observed International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.

The resolution calls upon people in the United States to “observe National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day” with ceremonies and events that “promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol; increase compassion for individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol; minimize the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol; and ensure healthier communities across the United States.”