If enacted, this bill would add a new section to Chapter 8 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, officially recognizing September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month. Although the month designated would not be perceived as a state holiday, it aims to encourage education and awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which could lead to better-informed decisions among expectant mothers and ultimately reduce the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the state.
House Bill 769, introduced in the Thirty-First Legislature of Hawaii, seeks to designate the month of September as 'Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month.' The primary aim of this legislation is to promote public awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which has been identified as the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States. The bill outlines the significance of the issue, noting that approximately one in eight women consume alcohol during pregnancy, potentially resulting in significant developmental, cognitive, and behavioral issues for their children.
There may be some concern regarding the effectiveness of such awareness campaigns; however, the bill's supporters highlight the importance of education in mitigating the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Advocates may emphasize the need for increased public knowledge as a preventive measure, ultimately seeking to foster a societal understanding of the critical impacts of alcohol on fetal development.