USE OF EPILIM IN PREGNANCY
- Session: 2013-14
- Date tabled: 10.07.2013
- Primary sponsor:
- Sponsors:
That this House notes the BBC Panorama programme broadcast on 1 July 2013 entitled The truth about pills and pregnancy, which identified the offspring health risks of some medicine consumption by pregnant women; recognises the evidence that the epilepsy drug Epilim (sodium valproate), manufactured by Sanofi Aventis, has been responsible for a range of disabilities and health problems in up to 20,000 children since this drug was first licensed in 1973; acknowledges the evidence of the consultant clinical gynecologist, Dr Peter Turnpenny, on Panorama that, at the severe end of the fetal valproate syndrome spectrum, even young adults struggle with independent living; supports the call by the Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust (IN-FACT) for an inquiry into the reason why sodium valproate has harmed so many young people over such a long time; congratulates the members of the National Advisory Council to the Thalidomide Trust for the active support they are providing to this campaign; and urges the Government to establish such an inquiry immediately.