S.Res. 536 – Reading Mode

III

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 536

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

August 1, 2012

Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, and Mr. Begich) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating September 9, 2012, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.

Whereas the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders includes a broader range of conditions than the term fetal alcohol syndrome and has replaced the term fetal alcohol syndrome as the umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during her pregnancy;

Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the leading cause of cognitive disability in Western civilization, including the United States, and are 100 percent preventable;

Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause of numerous social disorders, including learning disabilities, school failure, juvenile delinquency, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, and crime;

Whereas the incidence rate of fetal alcohol syndrome is estimated at 1 out of every 500 live births and the incidence rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is estimated at 1 out of every 100 live births;

Whereas, in February 1999, a small group of parents with children who suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders united to promote awareness of the devastating consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy by establishing International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day;

Whereas September 9, 1999, became the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day;

Whereas Bonnie Buxton of Toronto, Canada, the co-founder of the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, asked What if ... a world full of FAS/E [Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect] parents all got together on the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of the year and asked the world to remember that, during the 9 months of pregnancy, a woman should not consume alcohol ... would the rest of the world listen?; and

Whereas, on the ninth day of the ninth month of each year since 1999, communities around the world have observed International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates September 9, 2012, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day; and

(2)

calls on the people of the United States to observe National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day with—

(A)

appropriate ceremonies—

(i)

to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol;

(ii)

to increase compassion for individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol;

(iii)

to minimize the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol; and

(iv)

to ensure healthier communities across the United States; and

(B)

a moment of reflection during the ninth hour of September 9, 2012, to remember that a woman should not consume alcohol during the 9 months of her pregnancy.