§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will detail the types of deformities which research studies have shown are associated with the us of hormone pregnancy tests;
(2) if he will give details of the nature of the association that has been established between hormone pregnancy tests and congenital abnormality; and if he will estimate the probability that the use of the drug will lead to an abnormality in the child.
§ Mr. MoyleSome, but not all, studies into maternal drug use and congenital abnormality have suggested a statistical association between hormonal pregnancy tests and teratogenic effects of various kinds. It has not, however, been proved that the drugs used actually caused abnormalities: these could be due to other factors not now identifiable.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will request community health councils to publicise the connection between congenital abnormality and hormone pregnancy tests and invite possible cases to come forward so that an estimate of the numbers involved may be made.
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§ Mr. MoyleNo. This would not be an appropriate activity for community health councils. As my hon. Friend is aware from replies to his previous Questions, I do not believe that a further attempt to establish a cause and effect relationship between hormone pregnancy tests and congenital abnormalities would be practicable.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hormone pregnancy test prescriptions were given under the National Health Service for each of the years 1967 to 1978.
§ Mr. MoyleI regret there are no records of the number of prescriptions issued in connection with hormone pregnancy tests.