Policy action is critical as Canada recognizes FASD Awareness Month

Canada marks Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month throughout September to bring attention to the critical women’s health and public health issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects approximately 1.5 million Canadians, or four per cent of the population in Canada—among the highest prevalence rates in the developed world. FASD manifests as a complex, lifelong condition resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Individuals affected experience unique challenges, requiring varied levels of support throughout their lives. In Canada, that support is inconsistent across the nation, with major gaps in access to guidance and care from coast to coast. Not only does this affect outcomes for the individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by FASD, research has shown the societal cost of FASD in Canada is in the billions of dollars. These costs are incurred through criminal justice, health care, educational services, social services, and lost productivity. Audrey McFarlane is the executive director for the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network. Photograph courtesy of Audrey McFarlane The impact of FASD on Canadians is astounding. Ninety per cent of those with FASD will struggle with at least one mental health challenge over their lifetime, and people with FASD are 20 times more likely to face substance-use challenges. Individuals with FASD are also disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems. If they do end up in the criminal justice system in Canada, they typically end up in facilities that are not structured to support someone with a brain injury such as FASD. The accessibility of FASD prevention, diagnosis, interventions, and support services across Canada's provinces and territories varies considerably. Presently, there are 73 diagnostic clinics in Canada, yet their distribution is uneven, with some provinces lacking such facilities entirely. Compounding the issue, there is no comprehensive system in place to track FASD prevalence with accuracy across the country. The CanFASD Research Network relies on fragmented provincial studies. Consequently, a considerable number of Canadians with FASD remain unidentified, thus depriving them of essential diagnosis and support services in the first place. Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia is a former family physician, and current Independent Senator. Photograph courtesy of Senator Ravalia’s office It doesn’t need to be this way. Canada is a global leader in producing medical research findings, innovative approaches to prevention and intervention, as well as best practices and resources for stakeholders who may interact with the FASD community—from health-care professionals to educators and law enforcement. In international jurisdictions where law makers have implemented a national framework to address FASD, Canada’s depth of research is heavily relied upon. Australia, for example, has successfully implemented a national framework on FASD, leveraging CanFASD resources and research led in Canada by our researchers. Yet, we lack the co-ordination and national leadership required to optimally leverage this at home. Recognizing the need to address and recognize FASD in Canada, Independent Senator—and former family physician— Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia introduced Bill S-253: An Act respecting a National Framework for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Senate in October 2022. The bill was referred to committee for study more than one year ago. This proposed legislation lays the foundation for the development of a comprehensive national framework to support individuals with FASD, their families, and caregivers. The framework aims to harmonize guidelines, enhance diagnostic tools, improve data reporting mechanisms, facilitate information exchange, and bolster public and professional awareness. Advocates, medical experts, and those with lived experiences have for decades been calling on the federal government to take a leadership role in these areas. Addressing FASD is also outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 33 and 34. Bill S-253 represents a pivotal step towards addressing the longstanding lack of FASD support and recognition in Canada. The theme for this year’s FASD awareness month is “Everyone has a role to play.” As we observe FASD Awareness Day and FASD Awareness Month this year, we encourage Canadians to learn more about FASD, support those living with the disorder, and advocate for a stronger public health framework as it relates to FASD. Audrey McFarlane is the executive director for the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, and recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence for her work in helping communities impacted by FASD.Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia is a former family physician, and current Independent Senator. He is the sponsor of Bill S-253: An Act respecting a National Framework for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The Hill Times