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Tomas Cozens, now 25, is among the thousands of individuals who have been left disabled due to epilepsy medication that pregnant women were given. His mother, Jo Cozens, was unaware of the risks associated with sodium valproate, a drug used to manage seizures, which ultimately led to Tomas developing high functioning autism and other physical and neurological disabilities. Despite the knowledge dating back to the 1970s that sodium valproate could harm unborn children, this information was not disclosed to patients like Jo across the UK, resulting in many families facing long-term consequences.
Since the release of the Cumberlege Report five years ago, which recommended compensation for those impacted by the issue, the UK government has yet to provide answers or take definitive action. Jo first noticed differences in Tomas’s development when he missed certain milestones. It was not until 2014, when Jo’s father directed her to an article detailing the effects of sodium valproate, that the connection was made, leading to Tomas’s diagnosis of valproate developmental effects.
Similarly, Becci Smart from Bridgend was unaware of the dangers of sodium valproate while taking another epilepsy medication, resulting in her son Zak experiencing valproate withdrawals after birth. Zak, now 17, has Autism Spectrum Disorder along with other developmental and communication disorders. Becci has faced challenges in receiving proper care for Zak, as doctors have often dismissed his symptoms. She emphasizes the importance of accountability over compensation, highlighting the need for those responsible to acknowledge their role in the situation.
Despite the harmful impact of sodium valproate on unborn children, the medication remains effective for many individuals with epilepsy. Consultant neurologist Owen Pickrell notes that although it is now considered a last resort, it still provides significant benefits for certain patients. The Department for Health and Social Care acknowledges the complex nature of the issue and is focused on supporting affected patients and preventing similar harm in the future, promising to provide updates on the matter
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