Victims of a pregnancy drug linked to cancer are set to meet with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday, advocating for a public inquiry into a situation they describe as a “silent scandal”. The campaign, led by DES Justice UK (DJUK), aims not only to shed light on the past but also to establish an NHS screening programme for those affected by diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic hormone prescribed to pregnant women for decades.
The Dark History of DES
Diethylstilbestrol was widely administered between the 1940s and 1970s to approximately 300,000 women in the UK. Initially prescribed to prevent miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy, DES was also used for various medical purposes, including emergency contraception and managing menopause symptoms. However, the drug’s dark association with severe health risks began to emerge in the early 1970s when it was linked to a rare form of vaginal and cervical cancer known as clear cell adenocarcinoma. Following this revelation, US regulators advised against its use in pregnant women, yet it continued to be prescribed in Europe until 1978.
The consequences of DES usage have been profound. Those affected have reported a range of health issues, including infertility, reproductive abnormalities, and an increased risk of various cancers, such as breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancer. The legacy of DES is not just a historical concern; countless victims continue to grapple with its devastating effects today.
The Demand for Accountability
DJUK, which comprises over 500 members, is urging the government to initiate a public inquiry that would investigate the long-term impacts of DES and the systemic failures that allowed its continued prescription. The group’s efforts have gained momentum, especially following Streeting’s admission to ITV News that “the state got it wrong” regarding DES and his subsequent apology to the victims. Yet, for many, words alone are insufficient.
Susie Martin, a victim whose mother was prescribed DES, has undergone numerous surgeries due to complications stemming from the drug. She expressed her frustration: “The impact of this terrible drug cannot be underestimated as it has ruined and devastated so many lives, including my own.” Martin, along with others, is advocating for actionable commitments from the government, including a comprehensive screening programme and a full statutory public inquiry.
Clare Fletcher, a partner at Broudie Jackson Canter, representing DJUK, echoed these sentiments. “This is one of the biggest pharmaceutical scandals this country has ever seen,” she stated. Fletcher emphasised the need for accountability: “The only way to get the truth is with a statutory public inquiry.”
Ongoing Suffering and Lack of Support
While compensation schemes have been established for DES victims in the United States and the Netherlands, no such support exists in the UK. This absence of recognition and assistance has left many victims feeling abandoned. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the ongoing suffering caused by DES, noting the generational impact of the drug and the need for better support mechanisms.
The Department has also indicated that NHS England is working to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the risks associated with DES. However, many victims argue that these measures fall short of addressing the broader issues at play.
Why it Matters
The call for a public inquiry into the use of DES is not merely about rectifying past injustices; it represents a critical opportunity to address ongoing health crises stemming from historical medical malpractice. The plight of these victims underscores the urgent need for accountability and proper support systems, ensuring that such oversights are not repeated in the future. As the UK grapples with this significant public health issue, the voices of the affected must be amplified, leading to a reckoning that could pave the way for justice and effective preventative measures for generations to come.
