On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Theresa O’ Donohue who has epilepsy along with Ciara McPhillips who works with Michael Boylan Litigation and has represented 30 families involved in legal cases connected to their children being born with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder. The pair called for a redress scheme to be set up for children who were born with birth defects as a result of their mothers being prescribed an anti-epilepsy drugwhile pregnant. Theresa described her battle with epilepsy and her decision to stop taking her epilepsy medication sodium valproate prior to becoming pregnant. She highlighted her shock at the drug still being prescribed even when it was widely known the effects the drug may have on a child while pregnant. Theresa also stated her concern for those children born with birth defects due to the drug. She spoke about the symptoms of FVSD and described her battle in achieving justice for children who were diagnosed with the disorder. Ciara also questioned why the state are slowing down enquiries regarding the matter.
You can listen to the full interview below.
