Australia issues national apology to thalidomide tragedy survivors

November 29, 2023

- There are 146 survivors of 1960s sedative drug thalidomide, which was given to mothers in Australia, worldwide and resulted in deformity of unborn child's facial features

By Islamuddin Sajid

ANKARA (AA) – The Australian government issued a national apology on Wednesday to survivors of the thalidomide tragedy in the early 1960s.

"The Albanese government and the Australian Parliament, on behalf of the people of Australia has today offered a full, unreserved and overdue apology to all thalidomide survivors, their families, loved ones and carers," said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.

The apology was made in the presence of survivors, along with their family members, caregivers, and supporters, at the parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged that his government will reopen the Thalidomide Survivors Support Program to ensure that "everyone gets support."

In the early 1960s, thalidomide was an active ingredient in a sedative drug that was widely distributed to many mothers in Australia and throughout the world. It was later found that it causes limb, facial, and internal organ malformations in unborn children.

There are 146 Thalidomide survivors registered with the Australian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program, according to official estimates, but "the exact number of those affected is unknown."

The Albanese government on Thursday will also unveil a National Site of Recognition on Lake Burley Griffin’s shores.

“This apology takes in one of the darkest chapters in Australia’s medical history," said Albanese.

“To the survivors: we apologise for the pain thalidomide has inflicted on each and every one of you, each and every day," he added.

The apology was recommended by a Senate inquiry in 2019.

Australia issues national apology to thalidomide tragedy survivors

Tags

Comment / Reply From

You May Also Like

6 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza

Asia-Pacific nations reiterate policy of cooperation with possible Trump admin

Trump thanks Americans for 'being elected 47th president'

Türkiye leads joint call to UN Security Council to halt arms shipments to Israel

Death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s Baalbek rises to 57

US election: Decisive Muslim vote split between Stein and Harris

South Korea’s Jeju Island record heaviest rain in 101 years

Australia court rules senator violated law with racial remarks against Muslim lawmaker

Recent News

Recommended

Babies being sold to feed siblings, UN chief describe Afghanistan situation worrying

Archive

Newsletter

Popular Posts

Over 95% of Pakist...

Muslims from abroa...

Pakistan as Respon...

Categories

Australia issues national apology to thalidomide tragedy survivors

Tags

Comment / Reply From

You May Also Like

Recent News

Recommended

Archive

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Popular Posts

Categories