Thalidomide disaster

The Thalidomide disaster occurred in the late 1950s and early 1960s when a medication marketed as a safe sedative also caused severe birth defects. Pregnant women taking Thalidomide gave birth to babies with malformed limbs, defects in eyes, ears, and internal organs. The drug was widely used before its harmful effects were known, largely due to insufficient testing and regulation. The tragedy led to stricter drug approval processes worldwide, highlighting the importance of thorough safety evaluation in pharmaceuticals to protect future generations.