Summary
Wellcome Collection long read on two women who battled through decades of medical paternalism: Marie Lyon, who took Primodos, and Dr Isabel Gal, the scientist who first raised the alarm.
Content
When, in 1959, a quick new pregnancy-testing drug replaced the time-consuming methods available previously, doctors happily prescribed it. But an unusually high number of babies with disabilities were born to mothers who took the drug. Despite increasing safety concerns, Primodos wasn’t withdrawn until 1977 and attempts to uncover the truth about the drug, and get justice for those affected by it, continue today.
In February 2024, Patient Safety Commissioner Henrietta Hughes publicly launched a report calling for compensation for victims of two other women’s health scandals: sodium valproate and vaginal mesh. Primodos was glaringly absent.
“The PSC’s role is to oversee patient safety, yet not one member of our Primodos families has been contacted to ensure their patient safety needs are met,” says Marie.
“Our families have sole responsibility for the cost of medication and devices necessary to prevent physical and mental health deterioration. Shameful.”
Further reading on the hub:
0 Comments
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now