19th Judith Hoyer Lecture: Contemporary Care for Women in Epilepsy

OVERVIEW:
Using a historical framework, this lecture highlights the progress that has been made in reproductive rights and pregnancy outcomes for women with epilepsy.
In the 1970s, mandatory sterilization laws still existed for women with epilepsy. Even after these were repealed, stigma persisted within society. Health care providers discouraged women from becoming pregnant. Only recently has this practice been replaced by offering patients objective data that allows women to make informed choices about family planning.
This lecture reviews recent studies to support safe and effective treatment strategies for women with epilepsy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Following participation in this activity, participants will be able to:

• Increase overall knowledge about the history of limited reproductive rights for people with epilepsy
• Recognize there are some anti-seizure medications that have been shown to be safe during pregnancy for developing child
• Recognize treatment strategies to keep women with epilepsy safe from seizure worsening during pregnancy and postpartum periods