Drug test

Unsuspecting women victims of Thalidomide

Thalidomide was taken off the market in the US in the early 1960s because it caused birth defects in the offspring of pregnant women. But other countries continue to prescribe the drug for certain conditions. Since 1965, the drug's been used to treat skin lesions in Brazil, which has one of the highest leprosy rates in the world. Advocates say the benefits outweigh the cost, but researchers say Brazil is currently home to more than 100 Thalidomide babies, with more on the way. Potential mothers who take the drug aren't warned of the dangers.

Read it at the BBC

July 24, 2013 1:23 PM