A recently convened panel by the FDA’s Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented a skewed view of antidepressants and their effects on pregnancy, highlighting concerns over misinformation and pseudoscience.
The panel featured experts who questioned the safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are widely prescribed in the US for depression treatment. One pro-SSRI member alone argued that SSRIs are safe, but their views were overshadowed by the other panelists.
Key points emphasized by the opposing panelists included alleged links between antidepressants and autism, miscarriages, ADHD, and cardiac birth defects. These claims were largely based on flawed studies and failed to account for robust evidence supporting the safety of SSRIs in pregnancy.
The FDA’s decision to platform fringe skeptics undermines the agency’s commitment to presenting accurate medical information. The panel also perpetuated a “natural” approach to mental wellness, emphasizing individual responsibility over scientific consensus.
Critics argue that this approach risks human suffering by denying the existence of depression as a legitimate medical condition. By casting doubt on SSRIs and promoting unproven alternatives, these experts can boost their reputations and influence public opinion.
This FDA panel is part of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s broader campaign to challenge mainstream psychiatric practices. His views are at odds with the scientific consensus, which emphasizes the importance of treating depression as a medical issue.
As the most common cause of “pregnancy-related death,” mental health conditions require evidence-based approaches. The FDA’s failure to prioritize these issues may stem from its own biases and lack of transparency in funding allocations.
Source: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/07/fda-rfk-ssris-panel-depression-pregnancy.html