CBC (Canada) – Years-long wait for Manitoba FASD diagnosis highlights ‘critical’ need for more Resources
Youth in Manitoba are waiting years to be diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder — a delay one occupational therapist says is putting already vulnerable kids at risk as they wait for an assessment that could give them the help they need.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/fasd-diagnosis-waiting-list-1.7071252

Medriva – The Dangers of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a topic that has been studied extensively, and the overwhelming consensus is that it can have severe, long-lasting effects on the baby.
https://medriva.com/health/pregnancy-and-maternal-health/the-dangers-of-alcohol-consumption-during-pregnancy-a-comprehensive-guide/

Aberdeen Live (UK) – More than 200 babies born with substance dependencies at NHS Grampian hospitals
Ministers have been told to “shoulder blame” after figures revealed almost 1,400 babies have been born dependent on substances since 2017.
https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/more-200-babies-born-substance-9010143

Toronto Sun (Canada) – Small majority favours putting warnings on booze and wine bottles: Poll
A slim majority of Canadians wants to see warning labels placed on bottles of beer, wine and liquor, according to polling commissioned by the country’s Department of Health.
https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/small-majority-favours-putting-warnings-on-booze-and-wine-bottles-poll

Indiana Alliance (USA) – Navigating the Legal System for Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Facing challenges with the law can be tough, especially for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol prenatally, leading to difficulties in thinking, learning, and behavior. Sometimes, these challenges can create trouble with the law.
https://inalliancepse.org/resource/navigating-the-legal-system-for-individuals-with-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd/

FASD United (USA) – Give FASD a Seat at the Table: Our Mission for 2024
In 2023, the FASD community actively engaged in advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives.
https://fasdunited.org/give-fasd-a-seat-at-the-table-our-mission-for-2024/

Institute of Health Visiting (UK) – HVs’ role in providing alcohol advice to women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
What is the role of health visitors (HVs) in providing alcohol advice to women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
https://ihv.org.uk/news-and-views/voices/hvs-role-in-providing-alcohol-advice-to-women-who-are-pregnant-or-planning-a-pregnancy/

Institute of Alcohol Studies (UK) – Dragging their heels: the alcohol industry’s response to mandatory pregnancy warning labels
What would it look like if the alcohol industry really didn’t want an alcohol harm-reduction initiative introduced? No doubt they would invoke the tried-and-true harmful industry playbook that involves denying harm, distracting through implementation of industry-run voluntary systems, and delaying compliance with mandatory requirements.
https://www.ias.org.uk/2023/12/19/dragging-their-heels-the-alcohol-industrys-response-to-mandatory-pregnancy-warning-labels/

FASD United (USA) – January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month!
Welcome to 2024, a new year of information, excitement, and growth. However, January’s awareness month hasn’t changed- It’s National Birth Defects Awareness Month.
https://fasdunited.org/january-is-national-birth-defects-awareness-month/