Families urge Donnelly to hold inquiry into use of epilepsy drug during pregnancy

Karen Keely founder of OACS Ireland, (Organisation Anticonvulsant Syndromes Ireland) an advocacy group for families affected by sodium valproate prescribed during pregnancy. Photograph Moya Nolan

Families whose children were left with life-changing disabilities by an epilepsy drug used during pregnancy have repeated calls for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to establish an inquiry.

Avocacy group OACS Ireland welcomed the latest multi-million euro High Court settlement for a family affected by the use of sodium valproate, but said an inquiry, promised in 2020, is needed to ensure justice for all families.