German producer of thalidomide issues apology, 50 years on #disability

Born without arms and legs, Lynette Rowe (centre) leaves court in Sydney after winning her case over thalidomide (AFP/Gordon Legal/File)

AFP, LONDON, September 2, 2012
The German firm that made thalidomide has issued its first apology in over 50 years to the thousands born disabled as a result of the drug’s use, but a victims’ charity called for more tangible action. Grunenthal’s chief executive Harald Stock in a speech said his company was “very sorry” for its silence towards the victims of the drug, which was sold to pregnant women as a cure for morning sickness in the 1950s and early 1960s.

An estimated 10,000 children worldwide were born with defects — including missing limbs — after their mothers took thalidomide, which was sold in nearly 50 countries before being pulled from the market in 1961.

In a translated copy of the German text published on Grunenthal’s website, Mr.Stock said he wanted to express his company’s “sincere regrets” and “deep sympathy” to all those affected, “their mothers and their families”.Mr.Stock delivered the speech at the inauguration of a special memorial to thalidomide victims in Stolberg, western Germany, where the company is based.

He said his company was taking steps to help the victims of the drug’s use.“We have learned how important it is that we engage in an open dialogue with those affected and to talk and to listen to them,” he said.

Hardship
“We have begun to mutually develop and implement projects with them [the victims],to improve their living situation and assist in hardship situations easily and efficiently.” But the apology was rejected as insufficient by the charity Thalidomide Agency U.K., which represents people affected by the drug in Britain. Freddie Astbury, the charity’s head consultant, said the company
needed to “put their money where their mouth is” rather than simply express regret.

Mr. Astbury, who was born in Chester in 1959 without arms or legs after his mother took the drug, said: “If they are serious about admitting they are at fault and regret what happened they need to start helping those of us who were affected financially.”