Update on Motherisk Program at The Hospital for Sick Children

TORONTO, ON – In late 2014 and early 2015, a number of concerns surfaced with respect to the Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). SickKids permanently closed the laboratory in April 2015. 

The Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory was part of the Motherisk Program which also consists of a call centre for information on drug and chemical exposures during pregnancy and lactation, a research laboratory, and a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program. 

When these concerns surfaced, SickKids undertook a review of all elements of the drug testing laboratory as well as the other programs within Motherisk. At the same time, and with the full support of SickKids, the Government of Ontario asked former Court of Appeal Justice Susan Lang to conduct an independent review of the drug testing laboratory. 

Through SickKids' internal review, and in cooperation with the independent review, areas of concern have been identified within the Motherisk Program. An Updated Summary of Findings (pdf) is available on this website.