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Article: Fetal alcohol syndrome; Alaska takes aim at drinking-while-pregnant Officials hope their aggressive approach will be a lifesaver for those who have trouble asking for help and even more trouble getting it.(NEWS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- December 16, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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1/3 It seems like a simple enough warning: If you are pregnant, or hoping to get pregnant, don't drink alcoholic beverages. The health of your fetus depends upon it.
But that message is ignored in Alaska more than in any other state, and the consequences are staggering. Alaska has the country's highest rate of fetal-alcohol syndrome, the medical term for brain damage caused by the ingestion of alcohol.
Now, on the basis of research from the University of Washington, and following on the heels of programs in Minnesota and elsewhere, the state of Alaska is preparing the most aggressive and comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and education program in ...