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Articles on Thalidomide series

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Lynette Rowe’s lawyers successfully negotiated a multimillion dollar settlement, but not every compensation case is that successful. Julian Smith/AAP Image

Why thalidomide survivors have such a tough time getting compensation

Decades have passed and yet the issue of financial compensation for the remaining “survivors” of the thalidomide tragedy has, in many instances, remained unresolved.
Thalidomide was used by the pregnant women – the population that turned out to be most vulnerable to its risks. Reuters pictures

Why did thalidomide’s makers ignore warnings about their drug?

Thalidomide’s manufacturer, Chemie Grünenthal, marketed the drug as safe for pregnant women despite reports it was causing malformations in newborns. Why such blatant denial?
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Infographic: a snapshot of the thalidomide tragedy

Thalidomide was marketed as a safe, sleep-inducing drug, but when taken during pregnancy it could cause severe birth defects.
Melbourne thalidomider Lyn Rowe (right) won her legal case for compensation in 2012, at age 50. Supplied by the Rowe Family/AAP

Could thalidomide happen again?

Thalidomide caused thousands of spontaneous abortions and left more than 10,000 children severely disabled. What guarantee is there that the same thing can’t occur again today?

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