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Why Weren’t Mothers Told About The Risks?
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Why Weren’t Mothers Told About The Risks?
How many times do patients have to discover that important information about a drug’s risks was kept from them. A
A story breaking in the UK is about a medication prescribed during pregnancy that turns out to harm your child.
Now imagine finding out that the authorities knew about the risks for decades but had decided not to warn patients.
That’s the disturbing story behind sodium valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Two British mothers have spent years fighting for answers after their children were harmed by exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy.
Their investigations uncovered documents showing that, as far back as 1973, officials were aware of concerns about birth defects but decided against putting warnings directly into patient information, reportedly because they DIDN’T WANT TO CAUSE UNNECESSARY ANXIETY.
Again we see the arrogance of institutions that think they get to decide what medical information might worry us too much to be told?
And how can patients give informed consent if important risks are withheld from them?
The consequences have been devastating for many families. Sodium valproate exposure during pregnancy is now recognised as carrying serious risks of birth defects and developmental problems. Yet families are still campaigning for recognition, support and compensation.
Read more:
Sky News investigation into the historical warnings:
https://news.sky.com/story/valproate-risk-hidden-from-pregnant-women-for-decades-11053919
The latest report on the mothers’ campaign:
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