WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) celebrated the signing of their legislation, the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2025. The new law improves and reauthorizes programs and funding to support individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affect at least 1 in 20 people in the U.S., and too many lack access to diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Those impacted by FASD need access to care so they can be out on the best path forward towards a successful future,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill increases federal support for local, evidence-based services for people with FASD and their families. This progress is possible thanks to the tireless advocacy of former Minnesota First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson, who has led this fight for more than two and a half decades.”
“Those affected by FASD need access to services across the board, including early intervention, medical resources, and tailored educational and behavioral support,” said Senator Murkowski. “It’s why Senator Klobuchar and I have been so persistent regarding the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Respect Act of 2025 over the last two Congresses, and why we’re so pleased that it has finally crossed the finish line. This legislation will build a more informed and responsive system of care for those with FASD by strengthening prevention efforts, expanding diagnostic capacity, and improving coordination across states, Tribes, and local communities. Today belongs to the many advocates, families, and healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for those with FASD.”
“In the annals of FASD advocacy over the years, the signing of the FASD authorization into law is truly historic and a huge victory for the FASD field,” said Susan Shepard Carlson, past FASD United Board Chair, retired juvenile court justice, and former First Lady of Minnesota. “This would not have happened without the leadership of our lead co-sponsors, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Amy Klobuchar, and the united effort of so many advocates around the country.”
The FASD Respect Act of 2025:
- Reauthorizes federal FASD programs by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish or continue a comprehensive FASD prevention, identification, intervention, and services delivery program which may include:
- Educational and public awareness programs for professionals in systems of care
- Developing and expanding screening and diagnostic capacity for FASD
- Research on FASD as appropriate
- Building State and Tribal capacity for the identification, treatment, and support of individuals with FASD and their families
- Builds local, Tribal, State, and national capacities to prevent the occurrence of FASD and other related adverse conditions, and to respond to the needs of individuals with FASD and their families. Eligible activities include:
- Develop and support public awareness and outreach activities
- Act as a clearinghouse for evidence-based resources on FASD prevention, identification, and culturally aware best practices
- Disseminate ongoing research and developing resources on FASD to help inform systems of care for individuals with FASD across their lifespan.
- Increase awareness and understanding of evidence-based FASD screening tools and culturally- and linguistically appropriate evidence-based intervention services and best practices across systems of care
- Improve capacity for State, Tribal, and local affiliates dedicated to FASD awareness, prevention, and identification and family and individual support programs and services (technical assistance provided by FASD Center of Excellence).