The paper reviews Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a series of effects seen in children whose mothers drink alcohol to excess during pregnancy. The identification of FAS and its recognition as a major health problem in need of prevention are traced. Characteristics of children with FAS are described and resultant growth retardation, abnormal physical development, central nervous system dysfunction, and fetal and perinatal death are discussed. The research on effects of different levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is cited and the physiological and metabolic effects on the fetus are explained. Emotional and psychological defects in children of alcoholic fathers are also considered. A case study illustrates the importance of early intervention. The need for federal and state policy initiatives in prevention and early diagnosis is stressed. A list of service and information resources on FAS concludes the paper. (CL)