Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week. Substance abuse during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects and mental retardation in the United States. Each year thousands of babies are born with the physical signs and intellectual disabilities related to prenatal substance abuse. Of all the substances of abuse--including heroin, cocaine, and marijuana--alcohol produces the most serious physical and mental effects in the fetus, according to the Institute of Medicine. Referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASD, the potential outcomes of alcohol abuse during pregnancy include mental retardation, growth deficits, altered facial characteristics, organ defects, behavioral problems, delayed motor skills, and various learning disabilities. Researchers estimate that more than 3 million Americans live with an FASD and as many as 40,000 infants are annually born with an FASD. The tragedy of alcohol- and other drug-related birth defects is entirely preventable and must be addressed. We must increase efforts to reach out to all women of childbearing age and connect those most at risk to treatment and counseling services. Increased awareness and education about the effects of substance abuse during pregnancy is the best way to reduce the prevalence of devastating birth defects.…”