Political Quotes

“today I rise to recognize September 9, 2011, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD, is an umbrella term describing the varied range of alcohol-related birth defects that may result from the use of alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of this disorder may involve mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable cognitive impairment in America. It is estimated FASD effects 1 in 100 live births each year. Unfortunately, my State of South Dakota suffers from one of the highest incidences of FASDs in the Nation. While I applaud the ongoing efforts of local organizations, State governments and federal agencies to address the public health threat of FASD, I continue to have great concern about this disorder's impact in South Dakota and across the country. We must move past the stigma of this devastating disease to truly help those and their families who are affected by FASD get the health, education, counseling and support services they need and deserve. We must also address the tragedy of FASD at the source, by increasing awareness that any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can have heartbreaking, lifelong effects. Education and outreach efforts must continue their focus of ensuring this message is understood by all women of child-bearing age and ensuring access to treatment and counseling services for those at risk of substance abuse.…”