Australian PM Issues Formal Apology to Thalidomide Tragedy Survivors

Published on November 29, 2023

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally apologised to survivors of the thalidomide pharmaceutical tragedy that harmed 10,000 babies globally in the 1950s and 1960s. Thalidomide, prescribed to pregnant women for anxiety, morning sickness, and insomnia, led to severe birth defects despite promises of safety. Babies were born with shortened limbs, blindness, deafness, or malformed organs, and many women experienced miscarriages or lost their babies shortly after birth. Mr. Albanese said sorry to all survivors and their families on behalf of the country and parliament on the 62nd anniversary of thalidomide’s withdrawal in Australia, acknowledging that the apology was long overdue. “We apologise for the pain thalidomide has inflicted on each and every one of you, each and every day,” Mr. Albanese said. ...

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