The U.S. has more thalidomide survivors than the government admits
- Posted on September 26, 2026
- By NPR
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Decades after an undisclosed medical crisis, thousands of Americans born with thalidomide-related disabilities remain largely unrecognized by federal authorities. During the 1950s-60s, pharmaceutical companies distributed this sedative to pregnant women without informed consent or regulatory oversight, resulting in severe birth defects. Today, survivors and their advocates continue fighting for official acknowledgment, comprehensive healthcare support, and historical accountability from both medical institutions and government agencies responsible for protecting public health.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
The U.S. has more thalidomide survivors than the government admits
In the 1950s and 1960s, doctors gave the drug thalidomide to pregnant patients without telling them — and without FDA approval. Now those patients' children want recognition.
