Source Feed: The Globe and Mail
Author: Erin Anderssen
Publication Date: December 22, 2025 - 04:00
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Proposed changes to thalidomide survivors’ support program cause concern
December 22, 2025
A drug for pregnant women to treat insomnia and morning sickness gave more than 100 Canadians a lifetime of disabilities. Ten years after they received compensation from the government, some thalidomide survivors say the support program, while imperfect, has made difficult days easier.
The private company managing the federal government’s support program for thalidomide survivors is exploring changes that include dividing an existing medical assistance fund equally among recipients, no matter how severely they were affected by the drug.
Thalidomide, approved for prescription use in Canada in 1961 as a sedative, but prescribed to pregnant women for morning sickness, was later found to cause birth defects, including absent or stunted arms, missing legs and fingers, and deformed organs.
Unpublished Newswire
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