An FDA panel convened in July raised concerns about the use of SSRIs—selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft—during pregnancy, linking the drugs to increased risks of miscarriage, birth defects, and autism in exposed children. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called the panelists’ claims “outlandish and unfounded,” while the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said members were “alarmed by the unsubstantiated and inaccurate claims made by FDA panelists.”
Medical Experts Defend SSRI Treatment
Medical professionals emphasize that SSRIs are a safe, “lifesaving” tool for pregnant women with mental health conditions. Approximately 20% of women in the U.S. experience depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy, yet only half receive adequate treatment. The panel discussion has concerned medical experts that it could lead to more cases of untreated depression.
According to Kay Roussos-Ross, who runs the perinatal mood disorders program at the University of Florida, “Research shows that in women who stop their medications in pregnancy, they are five times more likely to experience a relapse.” Mothers with moderate to severe depression and anxiety during pregnancy are more likely to give birth early and have low-birth-weight infants. If untreated, they face higher risks of drug or alcohol misuse, suicide, and difficulty bonding with babies—increasing children’s risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, or anxiety.
Disparate Impact on Women of Color
The panel’s messaging threatens to deepen existing disparities. Shanna Williams, a perinatal mental health therapist treating African American mothers in Philadelphia, noted that her clients were already more likely to trust friends and family over doctors regarding medication safety. “The FDA panel is one other voice that’s saying you shouldn’t do this,” Williams said. “And that does not help.” Black and Latina mothers experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than white, non-Latina mothers but are less likely to receive adequate treatment.
Christena Raines, a nurse practitioner and professor at the University of North Carolina, said SSRIs are “probably the most well-studied medicine in pregnancy,” noting that long-term studies of children exposed in utero haven’t identified problems. She reported already fielding patient questions resulting from the panel discussion and expressed concern about misinformation making her clinical work harder.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.dailypress.com/2025/12/29/doctors-fda-clash-pregnancy-antidepressants/