Senate Resolution 141 - Desginating September 9, 2005 as "National Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day"

SENATE RESOLUTION 141--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 9, 2005, AS ``NATIONAL FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY''

Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. DODD, and Mrs. MURRAY) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

S. Res. 141

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

Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the leading cause of mental retardation 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 500 live births and the incidence rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is estimated at 1 out of every 100 live births;

Whereas the economic cost of fetal alcohol syndrome alone to the Nation was $5,400,000,000 in 2003 and it is estimated that each individual with fetal alcohol syndrome will cost United States taxpayers between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 in his or her lifetime;

Whereas in February 1999, a small group of parents of children who suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders came together with the hope that in 1 magic moment the world could be made aware of the devastating consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy;

Whereas the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day was observed on September 9, 1999;

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

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates September 9, 2005, as ``National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day''; and

(2) calls upon the people of the United States to--

(A) observe National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day with appropriate ceremonies to--

(i) promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol;

(ii) increase compassion for individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol;

(iii) minimize further effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol; and

(iv) ensure healthier communities across the United States; and

(B) observe a moment of reflection on the ninth hour of September 9, 2005, to remember that during the 9 months of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol.

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