The British government apologized to its citizens today for approving the use of Thalidomide for 4 years between 1958 and 1961. British subjects effected by the use of Thalidomide, missing arms and legs, receive approximately $30,000 yearly from the government.

Many of you here on 12.160Mhz weren't born yet and aren't familiar with the Thalidomide scandal of the early 60s. It was developed as an alternative to barbiturates, a drug used for many, many years found to be completely safe and effective if used properly but often found to be easily abused and leading frequently to overdose and death. Thalidomide was the alternative.

Barbiturates are commonly known as Tuinal, Seconal and Nembutal and are still prescribed today though only rarely. Thalidomide was an alternative but our own FDA fought against approval. Thalidomide was never approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

This is perhaps the ONLY time the FDA has performed its duty and taken a stance in favor of the health and safety of the American public. That of course is no longer true today.