Her daughters, aged 13 and 11, were diagnosed with Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS) in 2020. This came after years of diagnosis for individual symptoms.
Their youngest daughter also had double surgery for hip dysplasia at Temple Street Hospital. A letter advising that she needs a review as part of investigations into these surgeries has only added to the worries for Debbie and her husband.
Last June, an inquiry was launched into the prescribing of valproate, which can cause serious birth defects and development disorders.
Families were told the inquiry would begin “within weeks” but there is still no sign of it starting.
Debbie chose not to attend the launch event.
“I wanted to get excited but the pessimistic side of me said ‘how long are we going to be waiting?’ and that’s probably why I didn’t go,” she said.