They become adults who cannot function. Prenatal alcohol exposure is a major cause of destroyed human potential for an enormous group of people. FAS was first diagnosed in the United States in 1973. We've known the devastation of maternal drinking for 25 years, yet pregnant women continue to drink. And some obstetricians continue to tell their patients that drinking is all right.
Experts say there is no safe level.
Exact figures on the rates of FAS and FAE have yet to be determined. In some remote Alaskan villages, FAS has been reported in 1 out of every 5 births.