What is Sodium Valproate, more commonly known as Epilim? 

The drug has been in use since the 1970s and is targeted towards the control of epileptic seizures. In the case of pregnant women, the drug has been linked to Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder, alongside a host of learning difficulties and autism. Estimates place around 20,000 children being born with birth defects and disabilities as a direct result of Sodium Valproate consumption, and up to four in ten babies are at risk of developmental disorders.

What action has been taken?

Despite some of the affected taking action for over two decades, the 20,000 children and their families are yet to receive compensation, despite their calls for public enquiries. In a 2020 report, Baroness Cumberlege described the drug’s effects as a ‘scandal’ and called for the ‘establishment of a database of all women of childbearing age on the drug to enable them to be contacted and reminded of the risk.’ Despite Westminster’s commission of the review, there has been no response. Furthermore, the charity Epilepsy Scotland provided a survey of 500 women that suggested ‘one in five’ did not know the risks.

Despite the decades of persistence exhibited by the affected mothers and select politicians, the drug was only banned in pregnancy in 2018, when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency changed the license for Sodium Valproate. This meant that any doctor prescribing it would place female patients on a Pregnancy Prevention Programme so that women would be aware of the risks. While this action shields future generations of children from the harmful effects of Valproate, it does little to indemnify the thousands of mothers, fathers, and children who have already suffered.

What is happening now?

However, in February 2024, the Patient Safety Commissioner, Henrietta Hughes, highlighted the urgent need to compensate those harmed by sodium valproate in her report. A year later, on February 12, 2025, Sir Keir Starmer responded at Prime Minister’s Questions, stating, “It is obviously a really important matter” and “We will provide an update to the report at the earliest opportunity.” 

A mother who took the drug whilst pregnant, Catherine Cox, presented as excited by the Prime Minister’s words, stating that “the Labour government are supportive… Let’s see them stand by their word.”  Her 23-year-old son was born with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism, and ADHD and was later diagnosed with Fetal Valproate Syndrome. Another account is that of Christine Coley, the mother of 22-year-old Tristram, who “can’t cross the road by himself.” Their accounts exhibit the life-altering impact of the drug for both mother and child, and ultimately why the affected deserve adequate compensation.

In conclusion, little action has been taken to support the thousands of families harmed by the epilepsy drug, but the Prime Minister’s words provide hope for compensation. Therefore, it is hoped that the tens of thousands of affected families that remain without compensation will trigger action from the UK government.

Read more from News:

A Streetcar Named Desire returns to the West End for a limited run

Russia demands UK and Europe stay out of Ukraine peace talks 

Donald Trump’s Tariff Threat