Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale has secured confirmation that the government has commissioned a review of evidence on the intergenerational health effects of diethylstilbestrol, known as DES.
The synthetic oestrogen was prescribed to some pregnant women in previous decades. Toale raised concerns that women exposed before birth can struggle to obtain screening and specialist assessment.
Public health minister Diana Johnson said officials had asked NHS England and relevant clinical networks to improve professional awareness of the risks associated with DES exposure.
She also agreed to ask officials whether a letter to clinicians issued last December should be reissued or supported by further action.
The evidence review does not predetermine a clinical or compensation policy. It will assess the available research before ministers decide whether additional measures are justified.
For affected families, the practical test will be whether the work leads to clearer routes into appropriate screening, diagnosis and care rather than awareness alone.
