In a historic move, the Prime Minister of Australia has issued a national apology to survivors and families affected by the thalidomide scandal. More than 60 years after the morning sickness drug caused birth defects in babies globally, this apology acknowledges the dark chapter in Australia’s medical history.
Anthony Albanese, addressing the parliament on Wednesday, expressed remorse on behalf of the government. He said, “To the survivors – we apologise for the pain thalidomide has inflicted on each and every one of you each and every day. We are sorry. We are more sorry than we can say.” His words resonated with survivors and their families present in the chamber, who have long-awaited recognition.
The exact number of affected individuals in Australia remains unknown, but over 140 survivors registered for a financial support program since 2020. A report from 2019 indicated that 20% of the cases could have been prevented with prompt action from leaders. However, the delayed response intensified the suffering of the victims. Trish Jackson, a 61-year-old survivor, expressed her hope that the apology would bring some peace to families, although it comes too late for many.
Thalidomide, initially developed in Germany as a sedative, gained popularity worldwide as a morning sickness drug in the 1950s. As its usage increased, so did the reports of birth defects, primarily manifested as severe limb abnormalities. An Australian report in The Lancet medical journal in 1961 was the first warning about thalidomide’s dangers, leading to its withdrawal from the market. Sadly, by then, approximately 10,000 babies worldwide had already been born with disabilities.
Survivors of the thalidomide tragedy have spent decades struggling for acknowledgment and compensation. Canada introduced financial assistance for survivors in 1991, and the UK issued a national apology in 2010. However, it took until 2019, following a significant Senate inquiry, for Australia to take decisive action to support survivors. The financial scheme established provided a one-time payment of up to A$500,000 ($332,000; £261,000) to survivors, supplemented by annual payments ranging between A$5,000 and A$60,000. Although the program was temporarily closed to new applicants, Mr Albanese reopened it to ensure that anyone missed during the initial application period receives the support they deserve.
Australia’s response to the thalidomide tragedy has been criticized for its delay in addressing the issue. Survivors have longed for apologies and assistance, and other countries have acted more swiftly. Nevertheless, with this national apology, Australia takes a step towards acknowledging its role in the suffering inflicted upon survivors and their families. The hope is that this apology provides some closure and solace to those affected, even though it arrives tragically late.
