Birth Defects

Study warns that global use of valproate in pregnancy risk zones remains high

November 28, 2025 由 AI 报道 AI 生成的图像 事实核查

An international study across 73 countries finds that access to antiseizure medicines is improving, especially in low- and middle-income nations, but warns that valproate — a World Health Organization-listed essential medicine linked to serious birth defects when used in pregnancy — remains widely used. Researchers led by Aston University report uneven progress in safe prescribing between 2012 and 2022 and call for stronger safeguards for women of childbearing age.