Ireland's Thalidomide Scandal

One of the country's longest-running medical tragedies

The thalidomide scandal in Ireland, which is considered one of the country's longest-running medical tragedies. The flawed drug was used in the 1960s to treat morning sickness and as a sedative for pregnant women and teething infants. It was sold over the counter under various brand names, and was also available from general practitioners and in hospitals, surgeries and maternity homes. Unfortunately, it led to numerous children being born with a range of severe deformities