The conflicting info you are finding is a result of misinformation. It's perfectly safe in pregnancy. IT used to be used for abortions, however it was NOT taken internally for this purpose. The bark was inserted into the cervix. As a supplement it is fine (and I took it.) I'm not a doctor, but that is why there is so much controversy. It's a case of people looking at historical information (which is accurate) and not medicinal properties or applications.