Member

We know that, physiologically, drugs impact pregnant women differently and this needs to be taken into account when the drugs are being prescribed. Suicide is also the leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy in industrialised countries and the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first 12 months after childbirth. Professor Mark Taubert, hospital consultant and clinical director in palliative medicine at the Velindre University NHS Trust in Wales, has raised this issue many times. It would be useful for further information to be provided on the impact of the Bill on pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, particularly given the risk of postnatal depression and other pregnancy and maternity-related mental health conditions. This might include, for example, information about the importance and availability of mental health services, including for those with a terminal illness.