09/09/2007 Print Version |
September 9, 2007, as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day”
PROCLAMATION
by the
Governor of the State of California
Women place their infants in grave risk if they consume alcohol during pregnancy. Not only can alcohol exposure cause severe cognitive disabilities, but infants with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can suffer from emotional difficulties, mental illness and substance abuse problems later in life.
Babies are precious resources who need optimal nutrition while they grow within a mother’s womb. Their physical and intellectual development that occurs during the nine months of pregnancy is crucial to their health and well-being after birth. Women need to completely abstain from alcohol, illegal substances and tobacco during their entire pregnancy and make sure that they are eating a wide variety of foods to maximize their daily vitamin and nutrition intake. When pregnant women heed the advice of their physicians and maintain a healthy diet, they increase their infant’s opportunity for a healthy start.
In conjunction with the California Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Organization, I want to encourage Californians and their families to be aware of the terrible risks of exposing a fetus to alcohol. Alcohol in any incremental amount is damaging to and can cause devastating problems that persist throughout a child’s life. Giving California’s children the best chance at a healthy beginning is something we must all strive for.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2007, as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 7th day of September 2007.
