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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was first recognized in 1973 as a collection of birth defects that included distinct dimorphic facial features, mental retardation and other developmental disorders. Initially FAS was thought to occur only among births to alcoholic or alcoholic-abusing women, but subsequent research findings showed that less obvious but equally disabling developmental disorders also resulted from prenatal alcohol exposure, known collectively as Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopment Disorders (ARND). Another more inclusive term—“Fetal Alcohol Effects” (FAE)—came into wide use. Today, both FAS and FAE have been subsumed under the broader and more accurate term, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
To read more on FAS/FASD, click here.
House Bill 1274 entitled “Public Health-Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention-Public Awareness Campaign.” House Bill 1274 would establish a statewide multimedia campaign to educate the public regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other effects of prenatal exposure. Additional information on MD FASD can be found on the Report on State Approaches to FASD and DHMH FASD Progress Report.
Click here for background on Maryland legislation.
In February 2005, the U.S. Surgeon General issued the first advisory on alcohol use in pregnancy since 1981.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA)American Academy of PediatricsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics - Algorithm for EvaluationAmerican College of Obstetrician and GynecologistsAmerican Society of Addiction MedicineCenter for Substance Abuse TreatmentMid-Atlantic Technology Transfer CenterNational Clearing House for Drug and Alcohol InformationNational Institute for Drug AbuseNational Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(NOFAS)Physician Leadership on National Drug PolicyPrenatal Substance Abuse: Short-and Long-term Effects on the Exposed FetusThe Surgeon General's Advisory on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy (February 2005)