Representative Angie Craig Cosponsors Legislation to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Among Women and Children

WASHINGTON, DC —Last week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig cosponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address prenatal substance exposure through early intervention – by providing support through programs and funding for prevention efforts and for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The Advancing FASD Research, Services, and Prevention Act of 2021 (FASD Respect Act) was introduced by Representative Betty McCollum and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar earlier this summer – and has been championed by former First Lady of Minnesota, Susan Shepard Carlson. September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.

"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can cause tremendous harm to a child's physical, mental, behavioral, and cognitive development," said Representative Craig. "Especially during FASD Awareness Month, it's critical that we take immediate steps to strengthen federal, state and local programs to support individuals and families affected by these heartbreaking conditions. This legislation is critical to protecting the health of mothers and their babies, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure its passage in the 117^th Congress."

"It's time for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to come out of the shadows and be recognized as the leading known cause of intellectual disability and birth defects in Minnesota, the U.S. and worldwide," said Sara Messelt, Executive Director of Proof Alliance, Minnesota-based FASD non-profit. "We are truly grateful for Representative Craig's leadership in co-sponsoring the FASD Respect Act. This vital legislation provides a framework and funding so we can improve prevention, diagnosis and help our systems of care become FASD-informed to improve the lives of the thousands of Minnesotans with this lifelong condition. This federal funding, coupled with the ongoing commitment from state of Minnesota, will also accelerate prevention efforts resulting in more healthy babies in Minnesota."

"FASD is an overlooked crisis affecting millions of children and adults," said National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) Board Member and former First Lady of Minnesota, Susan Shepard Carlson. "This landmark bill will advance research, increase education, and most importantly provide access to critical services for individuals affected by FASD and offer them long overdue opportunities to succeed. The FASD community thanks Rep. Craig for her visionary support in co-sponsoring this FASD legislation to bring much needed focus and resources to a huge societal problem."

The ASD Respect Act recognizes the importance of enacting a comprehensive approach to all prenatal substance and prenatal alcohol exposures, which pose significant health threats to our nation's children and families. This legislation aims to develop a more collaborative approach across state, tribal and federal governments to support the medical, substance use, child welfare, and educational issues that the mother, infant and family face after being diagnosed with FAS, FASD or a related condition. Specifically, the bill would create a National Advisory Council on FASD to combat FASD as well as reestablish the Center of Excellence on FASD and related conditions.

Click here to read the full bill text.

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