This week Michigan Representative, Hank Vaupel (District 47) introduced a bill to the House of Representatives that would require signage at all points of sale for alcohol in the state, warning of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The bill is also intended to bring awareness to the potential issues with fetal alcohol syndrome for expectant mothers. Because the U.S. Surgeon General warns there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, this legislation requires that an establishment that sells or serves alcoholic beverages must post a sign with the following message: "Pregnancy and alcohol do not mix. Drinking alcoholic beverages, including wine, wine coolers, and beer, during pregnancy can cause birth defects."

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are estimated to occur at a rate of 1 out of every 100 live births. These disorders are entirely preventable if we increase knowledge about the effects of fetal alcohol exposure. Children are the most important resource in our state, and FASD pose a serious threat to the potential health of our future generations. If passed, Michigan would be the 24th state in the nation to require point-of-sale warning signs on alcohol.