FASD Legislation 2023-2024

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.

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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.

• Provide a standard case definition for FASD

• Promote and fund Education, Awareness and Services across community agencies and systems of care serving individuals across the lifespan - infants through adults

• Provide funding to State and Tribal Systems for FASD Services throughout the lifespan

• 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.

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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

 

NOFAS Policy FASD Respect Act

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Where it all started in Maine:

2021  FASD Maine meets with each of office of Maine's U.S. Senators and Representatives

Maine's Full Legislative Delegation (King, Collins, Pingree, Golden) Cosponsors 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