International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day - SEPTEMBER 9 -
Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services, today recognized Thursday, September 9, as International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. The minister said: "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a community problem which is completely preventable so we have to find ways to work together as a community to help individuals, families, communities and society as a whole."
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a medical diagnosis that describes a pattern of physical and behavioural abnormalities that can affect a child born to a mother who drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. FAS is a life-long condition. A child with FAS becomes an adult with FAS.