The Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Co-chaired by Jim Ramstad and Frank Pallone, Jr., the Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders was developed in order to educate Members of the United States House of Representatives on issues relevant to preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and increasing the quality of life for those currently living with these debilitating birth defects.
To find out more or to become a member, check out their website:
http://www.house.gov/pallone/fasd_caucus/welcome.shtml

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)
Advocacy Goals for the 109th Congress:

• Passage of “The Advancing FASD Research, Prevention and Services Act”, in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
• Inclusion of FASD language in the following legislation:
  • Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Act of 2005 (S.740)
  • Prevent Prematurity and Improve Child Health Act of 2005 (S. 710)
  • Health Professionals Substance Abuse Act (S.538) (HR 1789)
  • Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (PREEMIE Act) (S. 707) (HR 2861)
• Conduct a comprehensive FASD briefing for members and staff of the Senate and House of Representatives.
• Increase the level of funding received from the federal agencies, i.e. SAMHSA, CDC, NIH.
• Increase the level of involvement by state and federal education and justice departments on issues concerning FASD.
• Build coalitions with other advocacy groups to help achieve our mission and allow our voice become stronger.
• Expand the membership of the Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
• Increase the level of local and national media attention.

Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS): a national database on state and
federal policy. The database is funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism (NIAAA). http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation: provides funds for research on
preventing birth defects including FASD, and for education and community
service programs. http://www.marchofdimes.com/

Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence: provides
information on effective policies and treatment approaches for substance
dependence – a report by the World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/en/Neuroscience_E.pdf

The Community Toolbox: provides over 6,000 pages of practical information to
support work in promoting community health and development. http://ctb.ku.edu

Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: To educate Members of the United States House of Representatives on issues relevant to preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and increasing the quality of life for those currently living with these debilitating birth defects. http://www.house.gov/pallone/fasd_caucus/welcome.shtml

FASD Legislation by State: 2004-2005 Legislative Sessions
Link: FASDLegislationByState1005.pdf

State Laws and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy, 19 States and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring warnings at the point of sale, including bars and restaurants. Studies show that the signs raise awareness and may reduce alcohol consumption among light to moderate drinkers. Links to the legislation are provided where available.

The following States and the District of Columbia have laws requiring warnings to be posted at the point of sale about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy:

State Statute
Alaska Sec. 04.21.065. Posting of warning signs.

Arizona 4-261. Warning signs; consumption of spirituous liquor during pregnancy; composition of signs; rules; inspection of premises; penalty.

California 25249.6. Required Warning Before Exposure To Chemicals Known to Cause Cancer Or Reproductive Toxicity.

District of Columbia Sec. 25-712. Warning signs regarding dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy required.

Delaware Title 4 Sec. 903. Offenses carrying penalty of fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment for 1 month on failure to pay fine.

Georgia 3-1-5. Georgia Alcoholic Beverage Code

Illinois 235 ILCS 5/6-24a. Sec. 6-24a. Display of birth defects warning signs.

Kentucky 243.895. Warning of dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy to be posted -- Penalty.

Minnesota 340A.410. License restrictions; general.

Missouri 311.299. Warning sign displayed, liquor licenses -- violations.

Nebraska 53-148.01. Retail licensee; warning sign; commission; duties.

New Hampshire 175:4. Advertising.New Jersey TITLE 33 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 33:1-12a. Posting of notice required

New Mexico 60-6A-30. Posting of warnings.

New York ABC Article 8, Sec. 105-b. Posting of certain signs.

Oregon 471.551. Warning signs required; contents; size; display.

South Dakota 35-4-99. Display of health warning sign -- Violation as petty offense.
35-4-100. Health warning sign -- Contents -- Copy provided to licensees.Tennessee 57-1-211. Warning signs at retail establishments.

Washington RCW 66.16.110. Birth defects from alcohol -- Warning required.

West Virginia §60-6-25. Mandatory signs to be posted warning of the possible dangers of consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.


The following States require warnings about alcohol and pregnancy to be provided in venues. Besides point of sale, such as through county clerks issuing marriage licenses.

State Statute

Alaska Sec. 18.05.037. Fetal health effects information.
Sec. 25.05.111. Issuance of license.Delaware TITLE 16. Health and Safety: PART I. Local Boards of Health; Health Programs. CHAPTER 1. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES. Subchapter VIII. Warnings to Pregnant Women. Sec. 190. Required warning of possible use effects of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin or other narcotics.
Title 24. Professions and Occupations. CHAPTER 17. MEDICAL PRACTICES ACT. Subchapter VI. General Provisions. Sec. 1770. Required warning of possible use effects of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin or other narcotics.

Hawaii Sec. 572-5. Marriage license; agent to grant; feeIllinois 750 ILCS 5/203. Sec. 203. License to Marry.

Kentucky 311.378 Warning of dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy to be posted -- Penalty (physician's offices).

Missouri 191.725. Physician to counsel pregnant patients on effects of cigarettes, alcohol and controlled substances -- certifying form to be signed by patient on counseling -- educational materials to be furnished to physicians.

New Hampshire CHAPTER 132. PROTECTION FOR MATERNITY AND INFANCY. Section 132:2. Duties.
TITLE XLIII. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. CHAPTER 457. MARRIAGES. Documentation of Marriages. Section 457:23. Requirements.

New York Sec. 200.13. Adulteration of food.Oregon 106.081. County clerk to distribute fetal alcohol syndrome pamphlets to marriage license applicants.

Rhode Island Sec. 15-2-3.1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome warning law.

South Dakota 34-23B-1. Prenatal effects of drug and alcohol use.

Wisconsin 765.12. Marriage license, when authorized; corrections; contents.
46.03(34). Fetal alcohol syndrome and drug danger pamphlets.

Elected Officials by Southeastern States:
In the event that you would like to contact your state representative about FASD, below are the names and links of both the senate and house members:

Alabama:
Senate and House Members
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Jo Bonner (R-AL-1)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Terry Everett (R-AL-2)
Michael Rogers (R-AL-3)
Robert Aderholt (R-AL-4)
Robert Cramer (D-AL-5)
Spencer Bachus (R-AL-6)
Artur Davis (D-AL-7)

Florida:
Senate and House Members
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Jeff Miller (R-FL-1)
Mel Martinez (R-FL)
F. Allen Boyd (D-FL-2)
Corrine Brown (D-FL-3)
Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-4)
G. Brown-Waite (R-FL-5)
Cliff Stearns (R-FL-6)
John Mica (R-FL-7)
Ric Keller (R-FL-8)
Michael Bilirakis (R-FL-9)
C.W. Bill Young (R-FL-10)
Jim Davis (D-FL-11)
Adam Putnam (R-FL-12)
Katherine Harris (R-FL-13)
Connie Mack (R-FL-14)
Dave Weldon (R-FL-15)
Mark Foley (R-FL-16)
Kendrick Meek (D-FL-17)
I. Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18)
Robert Wexler (D-FL-19)
D. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-20)
L. Diaz-Balart (R-FL-21)
E. Clay Shaw (R-FL-22)
Alcee Hastings (D-FL-23)
Tom Feeney (R-FL-24)
M. Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25)

Georgia:
Senate and House Members
Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Jack Kingston (R-GA-1)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Sanford Bishop (D-GA-2)
Jim Marshall (D-GA-3)
Cynthia McKinney (D-GA-4)
John Lewis (D-GA-5)
Tom Price (R-GA-6)
John Linder (R-GA-7)
Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA-8)
Charles Norwood (R-GA-9)
Nathan Deal (R-GA-10)
Phil Gingrey (R-GA-11)
John Barrow (D-GA-12)
David Scott (D-GA-13)

Kentucky:
Senate and House Members
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Edward Whitfield (R-KY-1)
Jim Bunning (R-KY)
Ron Lewis (R-KY-2)
Anne Northup (R-KY-3)
Geoff Davis (R-KY-4)
Harold Rogers (R-KY-5)
Ben Chandler (D-KY-6)

Mississippi:
Senate and House Members
Thad Cochran (R-MS) Roger Wicker (R-MS-1)
Trent Lott (R-MS) Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2)
Charles Pickering (R-MS-3)
Gene Taylor (D-MS-4)

South Carolina:
Senate and House Members
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Henry Brown (R-SC-1)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Joe Wilson (R-SC-2)
J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC-3)
Bob Inglis (R-SC-4)
John Spratt (D-SC-5)
James Clyburn (D-SC-6)

Tennessee:
Senate and House Members
Bill Frist (R-TN)
William Jenkins (R-TN-1)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
John Duncan (R-TN-2)
Zach Wamp (R-TN-3)
Lincoln Davis (D-TN-4)
Jim Cooper (D-TN-5)
Bart Gordon (D-TN-6)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-7)
John Tanner (D-TN-8)
Harold Ford (D-TN-9)