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Thalidomide: Bitter Pills, Broken Promises
It was supposed to be a harmless sedative for expectant mothers, but instead thalidomide caused thousands of babies around the world, including more than a hundred in Canada, to be born with severe birth defects. The Canadian government failed to warn the public of its dangers, and promised to compensate the thalidomide victims; it took almost 30 years for the government to deliver on that promise.

	Thalidomide effects revealed		Government withholds warnings about Thalidomide		Provincial compensation promised
	Canadians learn of the severe birth defects caused by thalidomide. (Radio; runs 3:26)		The Canadian government fails to warn the public about the dangers of thalidomide. (TV; runs 7:51)		Ontario Premier John Robarts promises compensation to thalidomide victims. (TV; runs 1:12)

	Federal government promises compensation		Eight families receive settlement		Responsibility evaded
	The federal government formally commits to providing compensation to thalidomide babies. (Radio; runs 1:26)		The drug company that manufactured thalidomide provides money to eight thalidomide families. (TV; runs 0:39)		Thalidomide victims face huge financial burdens while the Canadian government doesn't admit responsibility. (TV; runs 4:05)

	Thalidomide task force established		Disappointment		Compensation at last
	In 1989 a task force is established to seek compensation from the federal government. (TV; runs 7:07)		Three months later the government says it's still not ready to act on Task Force report. (TV; runs 2:50)		After almost 30 years the federal government agrees to pay thalidomiders $7.5 million. (Radio; runs 1:58)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Thalidomide : le médicament de la difformité Related Topics from CBC's Archives Fighting Female Infertility The Birth Control Pill The Fluoride Debate Saccharin banned as a food additive CBC.ca CBC Quirks & Quarks - The Return of Thalidomide External sites Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada The March of Dimes The War Amps of Canada The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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