Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome "Meeting of the Minds" Conference

$15 of $40,000 goal

Given by 3 generous donors in around 8 months

Medical knowledge v's the reality of living with foetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS), it is time that there is a meeting of the minds.

Nationwide

With the medical knowledge versus the reality of living with foetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS), it is time that there is a meeting of the minds. Together, working collaboratively, there can be a reduction of FACS, and for those already affected the opportunity to assist and empower them to reach their full potential. It is about collaboration, a holistic approach, equal partnership conversations, informed consent, and making a positive change. Everyone’s voice is valid.

Babies are being harmed, without mother's being given informed consent. Since 1966, the Ministry of Health, in New Zealand, have known that exposure to antiepileptic medications during pregnancy can cause congenital effects to an unborn baby. Yet nearly 71,000 individual female patients were dispensed antiepileptic medications during 2016. Out of these nearly 71,000 female patients 28,536 were of childbearing age.

Antiepileptic medications are used for epilepsy, mood regulation, pain and migraines, so a lot of women may not know they are on an antiepileptic medication, let alone the effects it can have on an unborn baby. No longer is it just about possible congenital effects, but now it is also about neurodevelopment, learning issues, and so much more!

Be part of the positive change here in New Zealand by donating to this conference. This will be the very first conference ever held in Australasia about FACS. You can be part of the positive changes, and literally change people's lives.

The conference is being held in Auckland, New Zealand on 24-25 January 2018.

You can rest assured that donations for this conference will go directly to the costs of the conference.

About us

Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand has been set up to offer support, education, awareness and prevention advice to GPs and specialists, and families alike, about the effects of antiepileptic medicines and the effects on unborn babies. It is also a place where people, families, communities and interested parties, who have been affected by the antiepileptic medication during pregnancy, can come for support and education.

Use of funds

The donations will be used to cover the expenses of the conference. FACS NZ who are putting on this conference is a charitable organisation that currently receives very little funding, therefore is reliant on your support for this to happen.