How many thalidomide babies were born in Canada?

In Canada, there were more than 100 babies born with problems attributed to thalidomide, but the authors of The Thalidomide Catastrophe estimate that there could have been over 400 babies, many dying early in life.

When was the first thalidomide baby born in Canada?

Article content. Kelsey’s home country would not be so lucky. Thalidomide was released in Canada on April 1, 1961 and officially pulled from shelves three months later after the damage had become apparent across Europe.

When was thalidomide last used in Canada?

1962
It was withdrawn in Canada in 1962, months after other countries did so. Today, some survivors are demanding more compensation, pointing to the government’s negligence.

How many thalidomide survivors are there in Canada?

To this day, about a hundred thalidomide survivors live in Canada. Some of our members having passed away over the last few years, we sadly become aware of the fragility of our lives.

Is thalidomide still sold?

Thalidomide is only available through a controlled distribution program called RevAid®. The drug is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and women at risk of becoming pregnant.

What is a’flipper baby’?

These unfortunate children were cruelly referred to as “flipper babies.” Thalidomide had been prescribed to pregnant women to help reduce morning sickness, but tragically, it turned out to be toxic to developing fetuses.

How many babies were born in 1950 in Canada?

1950’s Canadian Culture. The Baby Boom was a period of great increase in the Number of Births and lasted in Canada from 1947-1966. The baby boom lasted 20 years in Canada. During that time, more than 8.2 million babies were born, an average of close to 412,000 a year.

Why are they called’Flipper babies’?

The affected babies typically suffered from phocomelia, a failure of the limbs to develop. These unfortunate children were cruelly referred to as “flipper babies.” Thalidomide had been prescribed to pregnant women to help reduce morning sickness, but tragically, it turned out to be toxic to developing fetuses.

Why did Canada have a large youth population in the 1950s?

Canada had a large youth population due to the Baby Boom and Rock N Roll music played an important role in the youth counter-culture that began in the late 1950’s and continued into the 1970’s. The Baby Boom. The Baby Boom was a period of great increase in the Number of Births and lasted in Canada from 1945-1966.