Thalidomide

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

This was a drug given to pregnant women in the late 50's/early 60's to relieve pregnant women of 'morning sickness'. Unfortunately, the babies of the women who had taken this drug often had stunted or non-existent limbs which in a way crippled them for life. I have only known one such person, a mate, who had his right hand growing out of his right shoulder.

We talked about it briefly but it was one of those things each of us came to live with so in the end you forget about it. My main worry was him driving using his left hand with a knob on the steering wheel and having to change gear with that same hand.

Now of course these victims of this drug disaster are pushing 50 and many are said to have difficulties due to the added stress imposed on the rest of their bodies. They claim they need help and I guess they do for adaptation costs to their homes and vehicles are high.

Is our Government helping? Of course, not. Far too busy bailing out bankers.

The Sunday Times said that there are only 457 victims/survivors of this debacle so it would not be too much trouble to help them. If the Government doesn't do it itself, then at least they could pressure Diageo, the owners of Distillers who put this drug on the market in the first place.

These people have no power but that does not mean they should be neglected.