For immediate release
NBC’S JANUARY 15, 2022, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SKETCH STIGMATIZES FAMILIES WITH FETAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE (FASD)
Toronto (Tuesday, January 18, 2022) — This past weekend, NBC’S Saturday Night Live (SNL) depicted stigmatizing representations of a family with FASD in one of the show’s sketches. The characters mocked specific challenges sometimes faced by individuals with FASD, and their worthiness of kindness and love. The sketch also misrepresented and stigmatized pregnant individuals and caregivers by linking FASD to bad parenting, rather than the developmental brain injury it is.
Health Nexus disapproves of stigmatizing depictions of families experiencing FASD and stands with CanFASD and other advocates rejecting SNL’s portrayals. It’s hard enough for families living with FASD to get the supports they need without being dehumanized by major TV production companies.
Learn more about FASD, Health Nexus, and FASD support programs here: fasdinfotsaf.ca.
Health Nexus works with diverse partners to create and mobilize health and community services knowledge through digital education resources, training, and events. As a designated bilingual non-profit organization with charitable status, we offer supports to service and care providers and the public alike, specializing in targeted health promotion and education materials using inclusive and culturally safe approaches for both general audiences and specific populations with barriers to health care access.
For more information:
Wendy Katherine
Executive Director
647-531-4101
Pascal Gagné
FASD Team Lead
819-329-5891