CALGARY- A Calgary woman is among the survivors of what some call one of the worst-ever prescription drug disasters who are now calling on the federal government for financial compensation.
In the early 1960s, over 100 babies were born with birth defects in Canada after thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women with morning sickness.
“Preparing meals I really dread,” says Marie Olney, who was one of the impacted babies. “I need a lot of assistance to keep it neat and tidy.”
Thalidomide was prescribed as a sedative and hypnotic but resulted in a number of birth defects in newborn babies including the malformation of limbs.
Olney was born with shortened arms and missing several fingers. She says she doesn’t let what happened define her, but wants the government to take accountability.
“It’s not who I am, it’s not who I want to be, but we need the help and need the government to step up and take its responsibility in this issue,” says Olney.
The Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada is calling on Ottawa to compensate each of Canada’s thalidomide survivors.
Some members of parliament say they agree that the government needs to take action.
“There are moments in parliamentary work when we rise above,” says NDP MP Libby Davis. “Because something is so compelling, we need to set differences aside and we need to do the right thing.”
-with files from Jill Croteau
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