Call to Action: Public Comment Period to Extend PRAMS

Deadline: January 20, 2026 Docket No. CDC-2025-0750

Federal Register :: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

A federal public comment period is currently open, allowing you or your organization to advocate for extending the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). Public comments are part of the federal decision-making process. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are required to review and respond to substantive and unique public input before finalizing any proposed actions.

In this instance, PRAMS data collection is set to expire in March 2026. In order to extend PRAMS, the CDC must review public input to ensure that extending the program is useful, necessary, and not a burden on the government or public.

What is a Public Comment Period?

Federal agencies are required to receive, review, and respond to public comments when they propose actions or rules. When these comment periods are announced, they appear in the Federal Register, which is updated daily and is the primary way the executive branch publishes its proposed action.This is meant to provide transparency and opportunity for interaction.

Comments that are deemed significant and unique are considered and responded to before any decision or action are finalized. While these public comments are not votes, and this process is not meant to simply build consensus, comments are part of the public record, and this is an opportunity to make sure FASD is considered in a wide range of public health issues.

What is an Effective Public Comment?

Comments that highlight the necessity of a program and how it is actually used in practice are the most helpful to agencies. A comment like this would include:

• A clear indication of your support or concerns about an intended action (Why you support extending PRAMS)
• Real-world impact (How PRAMS is relevant to your work or living experience)
• Information on usefulness versus burden (How PRAMS collects data not otherwise captured and how it informs the creation, implementation, and improvement of programs and services for pregnant individuals)

The most effective public comment will provide real data to highlight how a program is useful and non-duplicative. It will also show how a program or proposed action is economically viable. While identical submitted comments will not have as great an effect as in-depth, data-driven submissions, they will shine a light on how FASD is involved.

Why PRAMS Matters for FASD

PRAMS is one of the only data sources in the United States that captures information on the timing and amount of alcohol use during pregnancy at a population level. This data is not available through birth certificates, medical claims, or clinical records alone. PRAMS data helps to:

• Identify trends
• Inform screening and early intervention efforts
• Support implementation of FASD Respect Act programs
• Ensure public investment in FASD programs are evidence-based and effective

Sample Language

This brief template is designed for individuals. You may personalize it with your state, experience, or perspective, or submit it as written.

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a critical data source. PRAMS is one of the only tools that captures maternal experiences before, during, and after pregnancy at both a statewide and national level. The survey provides essential insight into prenatal and postpartum care, maternal physical and mental health, alcohol and substance use, and other factors that directly influence outcomes for mothers and infants.  This is particularly useful in informing our response to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

[1 to 2 sentences on your/your organization’s background in FASD]. PRAMS data is essential to the FASD field. PRAMS is one of the only data sources within the United States that includes the amount and timing of alcohol use during pregnancy. This data is crucial for identifying emerging and persistent issues, comparing trends over time, and prioritizing strategies that respond to the needs of families, especially now that Congress has reauthorized federal programs addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

For [your organization] and so many other public health programs across the United States, PRAMS is an essential resource. PRAMS is vital to ensuring that public health organizations across the country can implement evidence-based programming to meaningfully serve and support families.  

FASD United’s Draft Comment

How to Submit