FACS New Zealand

18/09/2026

It is with much pleasure that we announce that the Australian Government, The Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Epilepsy in Australia review, has taken one of FACSNZ's recommendations around an inquiry.

Recommendation 13 (from the report)
7.73 The committee recommends that the Senate refer an inquiry into the adequacy of healthcare for women with a chronic condition who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, with particular reference to:
* the adequacy of the health advice provided to women with a chronic condition who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or are breastfeeding;
* barriers that may prevent women receiving accurate, timely and culturally appropriate information and advice on managing their chronic condition when planning a pregnancy, or during pregnancy and while breastfeeding;
* international best practice in the care management of chronic conditions to prevent a range of fetal disorders;
* access, availability and the adequacy of support for women and families impacted by a fetal disorder caused by poor clinical care management of a chronic condition; and
* any other related matters.
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/EpilepsyinAustralia/Report?fbclid=IwY2xjawUZqxBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXNYZnhIV1k4SzYyZVlxaG1zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeYQSDKg2C9SS8WCPOVRca58oI9ncYlbpcaekjWtte9ARDPBd6_EDb3HGLHTM_aem_F1r1eCcZlPK-h33nlgeuYQ

28/08/2026

Worthy of listening to this podcast where Denise is talking a bit about her life, having children with FVSD, and so much more!

The latest Rare Aware podcast episode is now live!

In this episode of Rare Aware, we sit down with Denise Astill who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2025 New Year Honours for her services to the prevention of foetal anticonvulsant syndromes.

Her story starts at the age of 16 when diagnosed with epilepsy. Denise never thought that years later her anti-seizure medicine would have such devastating results with lifelong consequences. Her very much wanted and planned IVF babies were harmed by her antiseizure medicine (valproate) during pregnancy.

Listen to Denise's journey and the incredible work she has done to prevent childbearing people from going through the same heartache of having their babies harmed by anti-seizure medicines during pregnancy.

This episode is available on our website and on all major podcast platforms.

25/08/2026

Missing my partner Jacki who is terribly unwell but..

Monumental milestones are happening.

13/08/2026

Denise had the privilege to speak to Bellyful East Auckland yesterday to share her intimate and professional knowledge and expertise around FACS.

Fantastic questions were asked (which Denise always loves).

Thank you Bellyful East Auckland (and beyond) not only for the fantastic work you do but for inviting Denise to speak.

03/08/2026

Thank you to West Coast Health for taking the initiate and providing their own update March 2025 when carbamazepine (aka Tegretol) had additional warnings around childbearing people and use in pregnancy.

29/07/2026

Another busy but productive day at the Ministry of Health.

09/07/2026

Check out the new resource that one of the FACS NZ Youth Ambassador Warriors has written about understanding the diagnosis.

The reason I have designed this booklet is because when I was first diagnosed there was no information available that was easy to understand.  It is such an overwhelming time anyway, so to have some information that you can refer to and understand is important to me.  There are more information bo...

08/07/2026

Another productive meeting at the Ministry of Health today.

05/07/2026

New Zealand Formulary have updated their;

"Contraception and conception, pregnancy and patient advice ... for benzodiazepines with information that exposure during pregnancy may increase miscarriage risk: clobazam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, temazepam and alprazolam (section 29, unapproved medicine; not funded)"

https://nzf.org.nz/nzf_2690

**Please do not stop taking your medicines without speaking to your healthcare professional**

29/06/2026

FACSNZ are pleased to announce that there is now an eLearning course around anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy. Remembering that anti-seizure medicines are used for seizures, mental health conditions, migraines, neuropathy and pain.

The below is taken from the Health Quality and Safety Commission page.
"A new eLearning course to support midwives and other health professionals in the safe use of anti‑seizure medicines in people who may become pregnant is now available.

Developed by the New Zealand College of Midwives (the College) in partnership with the Commission, the course is hosted on the Colleges eLearning platform and is available free of charge.

While it has been designed with midwives in mind, the content is also useful for a range of health professionals, including primary care nurses, pharmacists and general practitioners.

The course was developed with input from Foetal Anti‑Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ) and relevant stakeholders, helping ensure it reflects a range of perspectives. This co-design collaboration draws on the in-depth knowledge of FACSNZ and the clinical expertise of the College to translate learning from harm into an enduring educational resource that supports safer care."

Denise and Jacki worked with the New Zealand College of Midwives on this important mahi, and would like to say that it was a true partnership.

Thank you to HQSC for providing the funding for this fantastic mahi to happen.

Free eLearning course for midwives and health professionals on the safe use of anti-seizure medicines in people who may become pregnant.