FASD Legislation 2024
FASD Respect Act S. 1800 H.R. 3946
Advancing FASD Research, Services, and Prevention #FASDRespect
Thank you to Maine's legislative delegation for co-sponsoring the FASD Respect Act!
Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the number one cause of intellectual disabilities and birth defects in the U.S.
FASD affects as many as 1 in 20 school age children, underscoring the urgent need for diagnostic, clinical intervention, transitional and other support services for both children and adults. Expanded public awareness of the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure is also urgently needed as an increasing number of pregnant women report alcohol consumption - 1 in 7 in the U.S, 1 in 6 in New England.
The FASD Respect Act 2.0, legislation addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on a national level, will be re-introduced during the 2023-2024 118th Congressional Session.
This bill when will continue the work done in the 117th Congress by thousands of advocates and lawmakers to pass meaningful legislation that will positively impact the lives of people diagnosed with FASD or prenatal substance exposure.
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Provide a standard case definition for FASD
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Promote and fund Education, Awareness and Services across community agencies and systems of care serving individuals across the lifespan - infants through adults
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Provide funding to State and Tribal Systems for FASD Services throughout the lifespan
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Create Centers for Excellence to guide States and other systems of care in expanding diagnostic capacity, public awareness and outreach about FASD, and provide training and technical assistance on prevention, as well as supports and interventions for people diagnosed with FASD.
The FASD Respect Act 2.0 will still provide federal funding on the federal, state, and tribal levels to build systems of care, and utilize existing systems of care in prevention, screening, diagnosis, intervention and treatment of FASD.
If passed, the FASD Respect Act would give hope and support to the many families impacted by this disability, not only in Maine, but across the country.
Ask your legislators and community stakeholders to support the bill
Where it all started in Maine:
2021 FASD Maine meets with each office of Maine's U.S. Senators and Representatives.
Maine's Full Legislative Delegation (King, Collins, Pingree, Golden) become Cosponsors of the FASD Respect Act
October 8, 2021 Senator Angus King:
"King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Address Pressing Infant Health Issue
FASD Maine welcomes his support of FASD Respect Act seeks to reduce Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders"
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Angus King cosponsored a bipartisan bill to address prenatal substance exposure and improve infant health. The Advancing FASD Research, Services, and Prevention Act of 2021 (FASD Respect Act), would assist early prenatal intervention by providing support to prevention efforts and for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is also a co-sponsor of this legislation. According to the National Vital Statistics, around 18% of infants are potentially affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol, binge drinking, or illicit drugs each year.
“Nearly 20% of infants born in America are affected by prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol – it’s an urgent, often unrecognized, public health crisis,” said Senator King. “This legislation would significantly increase support for mothers and families at risk for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and invest in vital, lifesaving preventive efforts."
For full press release go here
For more information and summary of the bill go here
September 19, 2021 Senator Susan Collins Co-Sponsor FASD Respect ACT
"FASD is an overlooked crisis affecting millions of children and adults,” said National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) President Tom Donaldson. “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 Senator Collins for her visionary support in co-sponsoring this FASD legislation to bring much needed focus and resources to a huge societal problem.”
For the full press release go here
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): History of Federal Response
This document provides background and history on the federal response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and was prepared by The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). For questions or additional information pertaining to S.1800/H.R. 3946, The FASD Respect Act, please go to https://nofaspolicycenter.org/the-fasd-respect-act-for-legislative-staffers/.
FASD United Policy FASD Respect Act
Maine Data Supports FASD Legislation (for additional SEOW Maine Data)
Maine Family First Prevention Services State Plan