Thalidomide Heroine Dead at Age of 101

Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, whose tireless efforts uncovered a link between the drug thalidomide and severe birth defects, has died at age 101.

The Post, in a front-page article published in 1962 described Kelsey as a "heroine" whose "skepticism and stubbornness ... prevented what could have been an appalling American tragedy."

Just heard of this while listening to an unrelated NPR program.

[cromag]

I'm old enough to remember the Thalidomide tragedies. At the time she took a lot of heat for obstructing the release of a useful medication.

[PeterT]

What was a nice gesture was this

Kelsey received the Order of Canada from Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at her London home a day before she died, her daughter, Christine Kelsey, said.

It was known she was on her death bed so they made special arrangements for her.