§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the number of multiple births to women prescribed a fertility drug in the last year for which figures are available;
(2) what was the mortality rate of children of multiple births of women prescribed a fertility drug in the last year for which figures are available;
(3) if he is satisfied that fertility drugs have been adequately tested so as to ensure that they do not produce multiple births; and if he will undertake an inquiry; and if he will make a statement;
(4) if he will make it his policy to lay down criteria for the prescribing of a fertility drug;
282W(5) how many women were prescribed a fertility drug in the last year for which figures are available;
(6) how many women are currently being prescribed a fertility drug.
§ Dr. OwenThe fertility drugs at present used in this country for stimulation of ovulation have product licences of right under the Medicines Act and were cleared by the Committee on Safety of Medicines before they were marketed. The data sheet of the synthetic product provides full information on the possibility and incidence of multiple pregnancies occurring following treatment, and that of the product containing naturally occurring human honnones also draws attention to this possibility.
Figures are not available nationally showing the numbers of women for whom fertility drugs have been prescribed, nor about mortality amongst their children.
In the light of the known causes of infertility it rests with the individual doctor and his patient whether or not to seek to treat it by prescribing these drugs, having regard to the data sheet, other sources of information and accumulating clinical experience.
I propose to seek expert advice about whether there is a need for further study of these preparations.