Adopted by the OTIS Board in March 2022

The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and our friends and colleagues in Ukraine. We have proudly provided education and training on teratogens in Ukraine since 2003 and helped our Ukrainian colleagues to establish their own Teratology Information Service in 2017. We feel a great kinship to the many people our various members have worked with over the years and it is greatly distressing for us to see the current events unfold.

As a professional organization comprised of leading healthcare professionals in the area of teratology, or birth defects, we hope for the safety and health of pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and their children as they deal with the difficult situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are concerned about the increased risk of harmful pregnancy exposures related to warfare, the negative psychological impacts of conflict, the interruption of access to maternal healthcare, and the effects these conditions may have on generations to come. We hope a healthy future is restored immediately for all who are impacted.

We hope you’ll join MotherToBaby and partners around the world for an Instagram LIVE on Thursday, March 3rd at 10a PT/1pm ET for World Birth Defects Day. MotherToBaby experts will be answering questions about COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. 

You can participate by:

·        Following @MotherToBaby on Instagram

·        Tap the small badge around the story circles at the top of the screen that says “live” to enter the live stream at 10a PT/1p ET.

·        Once you’re in the livestream, you can ask a question and/or add a comment. Let us know you’re there! World Birth Defects Day is an opportunity to spread the word about preventing birth defects and sharing resources. We hope to see you there on 3/3/2022!