Ireland’s thalidomide survivors continue their fight for justice and recognition, nearly 60 years after the drug was withdrawn globally. Thalidomide, initially prescribed to pregnant women to treat morning sickness in the late 1950s and early 1960s, led to severe birth defects and devastating consequences for thousands of babies worldwide. In Ireland, the government’s delayed action in removing the drug from the market has resulted in lifelong challenges for approximately 40 survivors who are now calling for a formal apology and fair compensation.

The Tragic Legacy of Thalidomide

Thalidomide’s impact on the global stage is one of the worst medical disasters in history. Over 100,000 babies were affected worldwide, with many being born with shortened or missing limbs, as well as damage to their hearing, vision, and internal organs. In Ireland, survivors like Jacqui Browne and Maggie Woods have been outspoken advocates for justice, demanding that the Irish government acknowledge the long-term physical and emotional suffering endured by the survivors and their families.

Although thalidomide was withdrawn from global markets in 1961, Ireland lagged behind, with the drug remaining available in pharmacies and homes until 1962. This oversight led to further cases of thalidomide-related birth defects, with babies born as late as 1964 still being affected by the drug. Survivors, now in their 60s, are living with chronic conditions typically seen in much older individuals, such as arthritis, hearing impairments, and the need for repeated surgeries.

Survivors’ Ongoing Struggle for Recognition

Many survivors feel abandoned by the Irish State, which they accuse of waiting for them to die without offering proper compensation or acknowledgment. While 29 Irish survivors receive an ex-gratia payment from the government, the survivors believe this is not enough. They continue to call for an official apology for the government’s failure to fully withdraw the drug in time, as well as a fair settlement that addresses their growing medical and care needs.

Jacqui Browne, a survivor and long-time advocate, expressed the emotional and psychological toll of the drug on families, particularly on the mothers who took thalidomide without knowing its devastating effects. Many mothers, now elderly, still carry a heavy burden of guilt, and the survivors argue that an apology would not only acknowledge the harm done to them but also to their parents.

The State’s Inaction and Calls for Apology

In November 2021, survivors gathered outside the Dáil (Irish Parliament) to mark the 60th anniversary of the drug’s global withdrawal, laying 60 white roses to honor those affected. However, despite their protests and ongoing advocacy, the government has yet to meet their demands for a full apology or compensation that accounts for their deteriorating health. Meanwhile, other countries, including Germany, where the drug was manufactured, have issued formal apologies.

According to Finola Cassidy, spokeswoman for the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA), survivors are frustrated by the government’s indifference. “We are ageing faster than our chronological age,” Cassidy explained, highlighting that many survivors are now experiencing medical issues typically associated with individuals much older.

Looking Forward: Will the Survivors Receive Justice?

The survivors’ stories are both a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated drugs and an indictment of the Irish government’s failure to act swiftly when the risks became clear. As the remaining survivors grow older, they continue their fight for acknowledgment and justice, hoping for a formal apology and compensation that will support them in their later years.

The Irish Thalidomide Association remains determined to ensure that the survivors’ voices are heard, calling on the government to recognize their pain and suffering before it’s too late.

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