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Courtney Orton ReportingSalt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson signed a proclamation today to promote awareness for fetal alcohol syndrome.
The proclamation sets aside one day a year to raise awareness that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix. That day is September 9, and it represents the nine months a woman needs to abstain from alcohol.
Fetal alcohol syndrome doesn't just occur in children of mothers who abuse alcohol. In fact, the latest research shows that there is no safe amount of alcohol, and studies show just a little bit of alcohol can kill developing brain cells.
Some babies are diagnosed at birth because of identifiable facial features and other deformities. But not all babies are diagnosed, and many of those children have behavioral issues that never get treated.
Ruth Brown was diagnosed at birth and wants to get the message out. "It needs to stop, otherwise it can kill a child. I'm actually fortunate that I'm still here and alive. There are others out there that don't make it and don't survive," Brown said.
Tomorrow a group of mothers will post stickers inside bathroom stalls at bars downtown. The message is that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix.
