Frances Oldham Kelsey has been described as a hero , and for good reason . The Canadian - endure MD saved the U.S. from thalidomide – the grievous drug that get thousands of child to be bear with malformed branch and countless more spontaneous abortion .
Thalidomidewas being used during the fifties in Europe to care for insomnia and morning sickness in pregnant women . But when the drug reached theFood and Drug Administrationin September 1960 , Frances Kelsey – the new medical officer – was skeptical about its safety . Kelsey request further info from the maker and , despite significant pressure and complaints , persevered with her interrogation .
Her persistence paid off as grounds against thalidomide begin pouring in . Thousands of babies whose mothers took the drug were born with flipper - like arms and legs , lose limbs and organs and other birthing defects . Kelsey ’s refusal to O.K. thalidomide saved countless child from being born with birth defects associated with the drug . A identification number of case have been filed against thalidomide worldwide , which includerecent bidding from victimsfor recompense from manufacturers .
Kelsey , who break on Friday at the age of 101 , helped meliorate the regulative procedure for sanction pharmaceutical drugs . CBC Canadareports that while thousands were involve in Europe , only 17 children were born with thalidomide - related defects in the U.S.
unexampled legislation following thethalidomide disastertightened regularization and give more power to the FDA over drug examination . As theThe Washington Postexplains , the new regularisation force pharmaceutical companies to conduct phase clinical tribulation , to be honorable about inauspicious effects and make certain participant give informed consent during drug examination . The law is still in force-out today .
Kelsey was award theDistinguished Federal Civilian Serviceby President John F. Kennedy . During the White House ceremony , Kennedy , agree toThe New York Times , said : “ Her particular judgment in evaluating a new drug for guard for human use has prevented a major tragedy of birth deformity in the United States . ”
Just 24 hours before her death , Kelsey was present with theOrder of Canadain a secret observance . " We bonk that death was imminent , and I sit beside her bed , held her hand , distinguish her why I was there and why it was so important that we have the opportunity to make out her , and took the medal and had an chance to put it in her hands , " Elizabeth Dowdeswell , police lieutenant governor of Ontario , toldCBC Canada .
