Monday 2 September 2013

Nikki Sinclaire MEP joins Thalidomide survivors fight

A West Midlands MEP has written to the company that created Thalidomide, calling on them to finally compensate those who continue to suffer the consequences of the tragedy.

During the 1950’s and 60’s, Thalidomide was manufactured by Grünenthal, a German company who were marketing the product for pregnant women as an antidote of morning sickness. However, the effect of Thalidomide on children has been well documented.  At the time of the drug's development, scientists did not believe any drug taken by a pregnant woman could pass across the placental barrier and harm the developing foetus. Though later studies have found that Thalidomide actually led to the deaths of tens of thousands of babies worldwide, while thousands more were born with a variety of birth defects.

Grünenthal made a public apology in 2012, however, victims are still waiting for compensation.  50 years have now passed since the drug was last administered in this country, yet victims are still waiting the end of this period of injustice.

Nikki Sinclaire, of the We Demand a Referendum Now Party, has added her support to campaigners and has written to Chief Executive of Grünenthal.

Nikki says, “Thalidomide survivors in the UK have been fighting for their compensation for nearly half a century and this simply isn't right''.

There are approximately 467 thalidomide survivors in the UK and around 6000 worldwide. Many of them now in their fifties increasingly suffer daily as they're  finding their health is deteriorating faster than other people of their age group.

''Survivors have fought tremendously with dignity but this is a battle they should no longer have to fight”. 
 
You can fight out more information, and add your support to the Show Your Hand campaign at: