Opinion: ClinicalTrials.gov Needs a Pregnancy and Lactation Checkbox

Experts argue that ClinicalTrials.gov, the primary registry for clinical trials in the United States, should add a dedicated pregnancy and lactation checkbox to help pregnant and breastfeeding patients identify which trials they can safely participate in. Currently, finding this critical information requires time-consuming manual searches through trial descriptions, leaving expectant and nursing mothers with limited guidance. This simple digital solution would improve access to clinical research opportunities for these populations while ensuring their safety and that of their developing or nursing infants. Implementing this feature could advance inclusive and equitable clinical research practices.

Originally published on
STAT News
By Alyssa Bilinski, Haley Sullivan,and Anne C.C. Lee
Read full article(opens in new tab)Fetched: September 21, 2026 at 10:01 AM



