§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether doctors are still using hormonal pregnancy tests; if so, what steps he will take to ensure that this ceases in view of the danger of foetal damage; and what measures he proposes to take to alert women of these risks.
§ Mr. MoyleThe advising and treating of patients is a matter for the clinical judgment of doctors, but in June 1975 the Committee on Safety of Medicines circulated a warning leaflet to all members of the medical profession on the possible dangers of using hormone preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy. I understand that the companies manufacturing the products concerned ceased to promote them for pregnancy testing. They remain available on prescription for the 741W treatment of gynaecological disorders only.