VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Pregnancy: Sodium Valproate

Asked by Cat SmithLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 20 June 2025UIN 60056

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if (a) he and (b) the Minister for Public Health and Prevention will meet the hon. Member for Lancaster and Wyre to discuss further safety issues to prevent avoidable harm from Sodium Valproate in pregnancy.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is taking proactive steps to inform the public on the very latest safety issues relating to sodium valproate in pregnancy. The MHRA has, most recently in May 2025, approved updated safety and educational materials to support the implementation of the pregnancy prevention programme and the regulatory measures announced in the November 2023 National Patient Safety Alert, as well as the September 2024 Drug Safety Update. We would welcome the Hon. Member to write to the Department, where we can provide due consideration to any points raised.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim