New legislation would combat fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Legislation introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Don Young, R-Alaska and Betty McCollum, D-Minn., would take steps to inform pregnant mothers and prevent development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in babies.

“Too many families in Alaska and across our nation have been affected by FASD and we should be doing all that we can to raise awareness of the many ways to prevent this tragic condition,” Young said.

H.R. 5790, the Advancing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Research, Prevention and Services Act, is the counterpart to S. 2879, which has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.

The legislation calls for creation of an interagency coordinating committee on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders consisting of parents, advocates, professional organizations and experts in the field.

It would also authorize FASD grant programs for medical experts, children and their families. (Original article)