Home / Health / DES Drug Scandal: Victims Demand Inquiry
DES Drug Scandal: Victims Demand Inquiry
9 Feb
Summary
- Victims meet Wes Streeting for a public inquiry into DES drug harm.
- DES, prescribed from 1940-1970s, linked to cancers and infertility.
- Campaigners seek an NHS screening program for affected individuals.
Victims of the controversial pregnancy drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) are urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to launch a public inquiry into the 'silent scandal'. DES Justice UK, a group with over 500 members including affected daughters and granddaughters, is also calling for an NHS screening program.
This synthetic oestrogen was prescribed to approximately 300,000 pregnant women between 1940 and the 1970s to prevent miscarriage and other complications. It was later linked to clear cell adenocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the cervix and vagina, and other cancers like breast and pancreatic cancer.
Despite being linked to cancer in 1971 and its prescription to pregnant women ceasing in the US, it continued in Europe until 1978. Victims, like Susie Martin from Manchester, have endured severe physical and emotional suffering, including numerous surgeries and the constant fear of developing cancer.
Campaigners highlight that unlike the US and Netherlands, the UK lacks a compensation scheme for DES victims. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the harrowing accounts and stated that NHS England has alerted cancer alliances to ensure healthcare professionals are aware of DES impacts.
