In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a drug known as thalidomide was distributed globally as a sedative, with the unexpected “benefit” of alleviating morning sickness in pregnant women. Thousands of babies worldwide were born with severe birth defects due to this medication. While many countries have since recognized the tragic consequences and taken steps to compensate and support survivors, the United States stands as the exception, with no official apology or compensation for thalidomide survivors within its borders.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve the drug, but samples were distributed under an unauthorized clinical trial, leading to injuries. Nearly 5 million tablets were circulated in the US and handed out by over 1200 doctors; many by obstetricians to pregnant women. Women who received the samples were most often unaware of what they were being given. (Ref: Jennifer Vanderbes, WONDER DRUG: the Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims.)

There was a concerted effort to hide these facts from the American public. The US Attorney General at the time declined to pursue criminal charges against the drug companies involved. The United States government actively put forth a false story: that thalidomide did not circulate widely within this country. This prevented scores of babies severely harmed by the drug from learning the true cause of their injuries and pursuing civil action in the appropriate time frame. 

These victims now have no choice but to turn to the US government for help.

The United States remains the only civilized nation which has not assisted its survivors of thalidomide. Every other country where the drug was distributed has subsidized survivors care costs: Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Italy.

It is time for the United States to take responsibility and stand with the survivors of one of the most significant pharmaceutical disasters in history. We urge the US Congress to support and pass the bill that has been introduced: H.R. 5865, sponsored by US Representative Jefferson Van Drew, the Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025. 

By signing this petition, you are urging Congressional support of this bill, which rights the wrong for the affected individuals and their families, and standing against lack of accountability. There’s still time! Sign now to demand justice for USA thalidomide survivors.