Have you ever heard of the Thalidomide Scandal?
Yes
No
Sounds familiar
Another unscientific poll just to see if this is well known, especially in disability circles and to spread awareness.
In short the Thalidomide Scandal had to do with a medication prescribed to pregnant women for morning sickness. It was pushed without proper studies and resulted in the births of thousands of “seal” babies. Essentially, their limbs were affected. Some had no limbs, some had short limbs, some had only arms affected, others only legs. At the time many of these babies were left to die after birth. However many brave parents and foster parents took care of these babies who are now entering their elderly years. The biggest part of this scandal is that the safety regulations and alarm bells were ignored to push this drug. I had never heard of this drug until I watched Call the Midwife which had thalidomide baby named Susan and they brought her back throughout the years to show how she was getting on.
However now I’m watching a documentary now on Prime called No Limits, which focuses on this scandal and tells the story of its victims. It’s so wonderful to hear from the victims themselves about what it’s like to be a thalidomide baby. I’m only a quarter through it and already moved tears watching footage of a thalidomide baby just being happy with a family. Meanwhile in another story, mothers got off murder charges for getting rid of their disabled child.
This story is such an important part of disability history, I think everyone should know.
Thalidomide scandal - Wikipedia
