Rachel Arkell

Out today in @PJOnline_News - here I argue the pregnancy prevention programme for sodium valproate desperately needs reformulating. I argue it unduly restricts potentially lifesaving medication based on an individual's capacity to reproduce. pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/opinio…

This is an extremely interesting blog. I wonder if the concept of ‘zones of preference’ could ever be used in the regulation of meds such as sodium valproate and topiramate. Particularly for those patients who don’t intend on pursuing pregnancy. @CPCS_UniKent

"These results are significant because fear of fertility side effects specifically attributed to valproate can lead men to discontinue the medication, risking uncontrolled seizures, mental health deterioration, hospitalisation or death in extreme cases."

@KrissFearon Thank you so much Kris 🥰 I really appreciate it! I’ve been terrible at sharing the news - particularly as I know I have a few recommended typos to fix on the thesis before it’s truly done! 😅

@R_Arkell Huge congratulations on passing your viva with no corrections. What an achievement!

After much thought we're no longer using X. While we explore other platforms, make sure you're subscribed to out newsletter: eepurl.com/hOMLbT

The BioNews writing scheme for @UCL_ODResearch grad students is back! Write about #lifesciences #biomed #bioethics, receive feedback on your work and have articles published in your name. Deadline to apply: 5pm Thursday 18 September Full details⬇️ ucl.ac.uk/human-resource…

@DrSamHalliday @DurhamCELLS @DurhamImh @DurhamLawSchool Cant wait to read this! Congratulations all!

Really excited to receive the hard copy of this - it has been such an exciting project and brings together some fabulous researchers from a range of disciplines to explore the contours of consent @DurhamCELLS @DurhamImh @DurhamLawSchool

MotherToBaby is currently enrolling pregnant people in observational studies looking at eczema (moderate to severe atopic dermatitis). All studies are conducted through phone interviews—no changes to normal treatment or travel required. ➡️ Mothertobaby.org/Studies

@JanetWilliams99 The reduction is admirable - and if people can be moved to less teratogenic medications they certainly should. But I do wonder if a complete reduction is possible when we respect patient choice. Not all those being prescribed SV will want children

@JanetWilliams99 It would be really interesting to see the number of ARAF forms completed for these prescriptions. I wonder what percentage of prescribing is still down to patient choice - we know from recent audits that half of women didn't want long acting contraception due to choice

The pharmaceutical Journal has reported today on the failure of @MHRA for Valproate prescriptions to those who are able to switch to ensure a safer pregnancy. The number stands at approximately 17,000 women with Dr's letting them down, failing to inform. pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/m…

Can you help? buff.ly/SntLT30

Today we're delighted to welcome @R_Arkell to talk about her research on sodium valproate and pregnancy. SV is a potentially lifesaving medication for epilepsy and BPD. Its association with foetal risk raises questions of consent, autonomy and risk in pregnancy prevention.

"Every time we accept a limit, we inch closer to a world where no abortion is safe, legal, or accessible." Read Dr. Shelley Sella's powerful op-ed. time.com/7292801/third-…

🧵of commentaries on why this sort of thinking about pregnant women is so wrong: 1. Using meconium to establish prenatal alcohol exposure in the UK: ethical, legal and social considerations jme.bmj.com/content/49/8/5… @R_Arkell @clareemurph

🚨NEXT BC SMALL GRANT SHOWCASE🚨 30 June, 7-8.30pm. @ellie_hibbert discussing 'Name the Midwives: Identifying the women working for the Royal Maternity Charity, 1761-1915' & @NaoiseGale13 'Four stories: encouraging empathy towards pregnant people with substance use disorder'

Can you help? Email sheelagh.mcguinness@bristol.ac.uk with any questions.

Tickets are still available for our half-day symposium exploring the future regulation of reproductive technologies- funded by @BConceived @cparkmorton @NC_Richardson @UniofGreenwich Attendance is free!

LAST CALL - Looking for a new skill? Apply for the BioNews news writing scheme for @UCL_ODResearch grad students and postdocs. Write about #lifesciences #biomed #bioethics - and get published! Deadline: 5pm on Sunday 27 April. For details see ucl.ac.uk/human-resource…

🚨NEXT EVENT🚨 5 May, 7-8.30pm UK time. In-conversation with @HZeavin (@calnewmedia) & @helen_charman (@Cambridge_Uni) about The Technological and Political Mediation of Motherhood. Read more: broadlyconceived.wordpress.com/2025/03/28/the…

⌛️Just 6 days left to express your interest in joining our contraception project! We're looking for 4 people (18-35, AFAB) with lived reproductive health and contraception experience to help co-produce the project. More here: coproductioncollective.co.uk/news/join-th...

🔍Get involved! Ever struggled with contraception choices? Your voice matters! We're looking for 4 people (18-35, AFAB) to help co-produce our contraception project. 📅 Apply by 31st March 2025! 📩Link: coproductioncollective.co.uk/news/join-the-…