The Developmental Biology and Pathology Center (DBPC) leads the investigation into the potential adverse effects of PAE (alone or in combination with other exposures) upon the placenta and developing fetal and infant brain. The main objectives of the neuropathological studies are to determine the relationship between PAE and the (1) neurotransmitter development of brainstem sites that control homeostatic function, relative to SIDS and stillbirth, and (2) neurotransmitter development and synaptogenesis in areas of the cerebral cortex related to abnormal cognitive function in individuals with FASD. Genetic research includes investigating the effect of PAE and modifications to genetic mechanisms that impact phenotypic outcomes (i.e. stillbirth, SIDS, or FASD). For each demise, all relevant clinical, autopsy, and other pertinent (death scene investigation, placental pathology) information is reviewed by the pathology subcommittee led by the DBPC, and comprised of experts in paediatrics, obstetrics, dysmorphology, genetics, paediatric/placental pathology, paediatric neuropathology, and forensic pathology. The demises are classified according to previously published systems, as well as a stillbirth classification system developed for the study (see Supporting Information Appendix S1).7 (link),26 (link)–30 Demise adjudication requires 100% consensus while blinded to prenatal exposures. Specimens collected for the Safe Passage Study include maternal and infant saliva or umbilical cord blood for DNA analysis (all participants), meconium (all), placental samples (embedded study), and brain samples (autopsied stillbirths and infant demises). Specimens are shipped for long-term storage to Fisher Bioservices in Rockville, MD.