International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day takes place each year on September 9, drawing attention to the lifelong effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In 2026, this date falls on a Wednesday. This global observance is part of a larger September awareness month that unites organizations, researchers, families, and health professionals around prevention and support.

History of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

FASD Awareness Day was first celebrated in 1999. Three parent advocates from Canada and the United States wanted to bring attention to the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development. They chose the ninth day of the ninth month to highlight the importance of staying alcohol-free for the full nine months of pregnancy. What began as a small act of advocacy has grown into an international movement, with countries around the world taking part in awareness events and campaigns.

The Government of Canada officially recognized September as FASD Awareness Month in 2020. In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recognizes International FASD Awareness Day each year, and groups such as FASD United and CanFASD mark the occasion. The date now serves as an anchor for public education campaigns, community gatherings, and proclamations that call for better diagnosis, treatment, and support services.

Why is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day important?

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders refer to the collective lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These impairments can range from mild to severe and contribute to learning disabilities, speech and language delays, visual and hearing problems, problems with critical organs, and social challenges throughout life. In the United States, an estimated 1 to 5 percent of first graders have FASD. Not all babies exposed to alcohol are affected, but it is impossible to know which ones will be.

The day also highlights a simple message: FASD is preventable. If a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth, the condition cannot occur. Yet nearly 1 in 7 pregnant women report current alcohol use, and about 1 in 20 report binge drinking in the past 30 days. No known safe amount, safe time, or safe type of alcohol exists during pregnancy, and no definite test can predict which babies will be affected. Alcohol use during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome.

• Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disabilities in the U.S.
• FASD causes lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities that can range from mild to severe.
• There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and it is impossible to know which babies will be affected.
• Therapeutic interventions, special education, and support services improve outcomes for patients and families living with FASD.
• Screening and brief intervention by healthcare providers can help reduce alcohol use during pregnancy.

How to Observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

Observing the day starts with learning. Take time to read about FASD from trusted public health sources, and understand the risks of drinking during pregnancy. Share what you learn with friends, family, and coworkers so accurate information reaches more people. Healthcare professionals can also use alcohol screening and brief intervention, a short preventive service recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and endorsed by major medical organizations.

Personal actions make a visible difference. Many people wear red shoes on September 9 as part of the global Red Shoes Rock movement, a symbol of power and strength for FASD awareness. In Canada, monuments and landmarks light up red in honor of the day. Communities also host awareness walks, virtual events, and other gatherings to show support for individuals with FASD and their families. Supporting healthy pregnancies is a shared responsibility, and every conversation or action can help.

• Wear red shoes and share a photo using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
• Attend a local or virtual event hosted by a FASD organization.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about alcohol screening and brief intervention.
• Encourage alcohol-free pregnancies through supportive, non-judgmental conversations.
• Donate time or money to organizations that support people living with FASD.

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day Dates