Rachel Arkell

@SeNSSDTP funded PG researcher with @CRRC_BPAS and @UniKent. Law, Bioethics, and Sexual & Reproductive Health. Views are my own. (she/her)

[Rachel Arkell @R_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.

https://t.co/aHQqcXLFrO

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

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

[David Spiegelhalter @d_spiegel]

my blog for MHRA on then role of regualation in the age of personalised medicine
https://t.co/msFAFkZJXa

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

"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."

[The Pharmaceutical Journal @PJOnline_News]

There is little evidence to suggest that sodium valproate significantly impacts male fertility, according to a retrospective cohort study published in @NatureComms

#ukpharmacy #fertility

https://t.co/Hwnpr8mEsO

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

@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! 😅

[Broadly Conceived @BConceived]

After much thought we're no longer using X. While we explore other platforms, make sure you're subscribed to out newsletter: https://t.co/a2WHC7lEoy

[PET @PET_BioNews]

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⬇️
https://t.co/H7hJ2KkG1H

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

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

[MotherToBaby @MotherToBaby]

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. ➡️ https://t.co/uVJrEm2rE1

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

@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

[Rachel Arkell @R_Arkell]

@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

[ARCantenatal @ARCantenatal]

Can you help? https://t.co/1ZyKVKgyLJ

[CRR @CRRDMU]

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.

[ANSIRH @ANSIRH]

"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. https://t.co/xo84MrS472

[Parenting studies @CPCS_UniKent]

🧵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
https://t.co/X8avDTsZg9

@R_Arkell @clareemurph

[Broadly Conceived @BConceived]

🚨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'

[ARCantenatal @ARCantenatal]

Can you help? Email [email protected] with any questions.

[Dr Victoria Adkins @VickyAdkins1990]

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!

[PET @PET_BioNews]

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
https://t.co/vLVIugc0Rz

[Broadly Conceived @BConceived]

🚨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: https://t.co/2Utv6LKX1I

[Dr Verity Pooke @VerityPooke]

⌛️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: https://t.co/UxYDTTQcDB...

[NIHR Policy Research Unit in Reproductive Health @ReproHealthPRU]

🔍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: https://t.co/ZlXjitouha