March of Dimes

The following viewpoint is taken from a public education pamphlet published by the March of Dimes, a national voluntary health agency that works to prevent birth defects and infant mortality. The foundation notes that when a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol passes swiftly to her fetus. Babies whose mothers drink thereby run the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a major cause of mental retardation, or other alcohol-related birth defects that can create both physical and behavioral problems. To be safe, the foundation concludes, women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should abstain from alcohol.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many babies are born each year with alcohol-related damage, according to the foundation?
2. What symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) do the authors describe...