SCR 15 - ALCOHOL-RELATED BIRTH DEFECTS AWARENESS Number 0978 CHAIRMAN DYSON announced the next order of business as Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15, Relating to Alcohol-Related Birth Defects Awareness Weeks. Number 0991 HOLLY HEMMING, Intern for Senator Georgianna Lincoln, Alaska State Legislature, came forward to present SCR 15 on behalf of the sponsor. She said Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is totally preventable, and it is the number one cause of birth defects and mental retardation. It costs the state between $1.4 million and $3 million per FAS child during his/her lifetime. Approximately ten FAS children are born in Alaska every year; if that is multiplied by 40, it is estimated that at least 400 people with FAS live in Alaska, and that will cost the state at least $560 million a year. People with Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) may lack the physical appearance of FAS, but damage to the brain can be just as serious. The weeks of Mother's Day and Father's Day are very appropriate dates to recognize the role of parents in FAS and FAE birth defects. MS. HEMMING encouraged the committee members to read the material in their packets - especially the list of in utero alcohol damage that affects people with FAS/FAE. This resolution has been introduced as far back as 1994, and it has been passed annually. Number 1128 SENATOR GEORGIANNA LINCOLN, Alaska State Legislature, came forward as the prime sponsor of SCR 15. She said it is a shame that every year there is just a resolution recognizing the importance of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects. It is growing across the state and is very expensive for the state monetarily and socially. This is just a small effort to recognize the immensity of the problem and a small step forward for the rest of the state to recognize the total problem. REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN asked Senator Lincoln what type of policies the legislature should be looking at. He wondered if alcohol consumption should be criminalized for pregnant women. SENATOR LINCOLN noted that when she first came to the legislature, that was exactly what she started looking into, but this is an extremely complex issue. She cited various problems with criminalizing it such as an obese woman being refused a drink in a bar because the bartender thought she was pregnant, and the woman could sue; another woman could have a third FAS child and be incarcerated, and what would happen to the other children left at home? The greatest benefit is to address prevention and intervention. She believes there hasn't been enough done in the area of prevention, but it takes money. Number 1311 CHAIRMAN DYSON pointed out there is a statewide coordinator for FAS now. United States Senator Ted Stevens has obtained a significant amount of money to help Alaska get the word out, and there are now diagnostic teams available to travel the state. REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked Senator Lincoln what would be the best way for the state to get to the people. SENATOR LINCOLN reiterated that it is such a complex problem. It is the "chicken or the egg," and she doesn't know where to start. In a conversation recently with some leaders, she said it boils down to people being busy and occupied and feeling like they are contributing to society. It is something that takes more than a resolution; it takes more than a few dollars. A common denominator needs to be found where the process could begin. Part of the problem is when people don't have jobs, don't feel that they are contributing to the community or society, or are depressed about a number of things, and there is no help for them. It is a whole roster of things. She is committed to going beyond a resolution and knows the committee is committed if they could just get their hands around this. She commented that it is not just a problem in Alaska. She was in Vancouver, British Columbia, when 800 balloons were released for the 800 FAS cases there. The public needs to be made more aware of this very real problem. Number 1526 REPRESENTATIVE GREEN made a motion to move SCR 15 out of committee with individual recommendations and zero fiscal note. There being no objection, SCR 15 moved from the House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.