PM to issue ‘long overdue’ national apology for thalidomide tragedy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will issue a national apology on Wednesday to victims of the pregnancy drug thalidomide over half a century ago. Thalidomide was marketed to women suffering morning sickness during the 1950s and 60s. The drug poisoned thousands of unborn babies and left them with severe birth defects. “The thalidomide tragedy is a dark chapter in the history of our nation and the world,” Anthony Albanese said. “This moment is a long overdue national acknowledgement of all they have endured and all they have fought for.”