Families affected by prescribing of sodium valproate in pregnancy call for inquiry

It is now accepted babies exposed to valproate in the womb have a 10% risk of birth defects and a 30%-40% risk of neuro-developmental disabilities which can be permanent. Picture: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos

Families affected by the prescribing of sodium valproate in pregnancy have called for a long-promised inquiry to be set up as soon as possible.

This comes as the British health regulator advises no one under the age of 55, male or female, should be prescribed valproate without sign-off by two independent consultants. This is because of the serious risk to babies in the womb and risks for male fertility.