Members' Business — S6M-13767 Rona Mackay: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month

That the Parliament notes that September 2024 is International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month; recognises that alcohol exposure in pregnancy may lead to permanent harm to the unborn child, with lifelong consequences; understands that FASD is the most common preventable neurodevelopmental condition in Scotland; further understands that at least 3.2% of individuals in Scotland are affected; notes that the Chief Medical Officer's advice is to avoid alcohol if pregnant or if planning to become pregnant; believes that 40% of pregnancies are currently unplanned; recognises what it sees as the importance of early identification and support of FASD to avert negative outcomes, such as addiction, mental ill health, suicidality and judicial system involvement; considers that, with the right support, individuals can prosper in their educational and life endeavours and reach their own potential; recognises what it sees as the excellent work of the FASD Hub Scotland in supporting those with FASD, their families and professionals who work with them; notes the belief that it is important to increase access to awareness and diagnostic training for practitioners to enable access to diagnostic and support services for those with FASD and their families; further notes the belief that alcohol producers should be mandated to provide clear written pregnancy warnings on their products; highlights what it sees as the important work of the pre-conception strategy for Scotland; understands that there is an economic benefit of £1.4 million for each case of FASD that is prevented, and notes the belief that more must be done to reduce alcohol exposure in pregnancy.