September 09, 2026
WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term to describe the range of disabilities that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth; and,
WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can cause challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, growth, cognition and adaptive function, and can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background; and,
WHEREAS, among U.S. pregnant women ages 18-49 during 2021-2024, 15.2% reported current alcohol use of one or more drinks in the past 30 days, 4.9% reported binge drinking of four or more alcoholic drinks on at least one occasion in the past 30 days and 2.2% reported consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks in one week in the past 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; and,
WHEREAS, recent studies show that approximately 1% to 5% of school-aged children have been prenatally exposed to alcohol and have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; and,
WHEREAS, prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure, early screening, intervention and treatment for affected individuals are critical for healthy infants, healthy parents and healthy families in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy – alcohol should be avoided if someone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant; and,
WHEREAS, although Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can be prevented by supporting pregnancies free of alcohol, prevention efforts should be balanced with support and intervention for people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; and,
WHEREAS, early diagnosis and interventions tailored to the needs of the individual impacted by a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can have lifelong benefits, easing the individual’s transition to adulthood and improving their quality of life, and,
WHEREAS, on this day we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders throughout the state of Michigan and to urge residents to learn more about the hazards of consuming alcohol at any time during pregnancy, as well as the benefits of early screening and intervention to promote maternal, infant and family health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, hereby proclaim September 9, 2026, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in Michigan.
