23 morning sickness drug victims awarded compensation after long fight

Spanish victims of the morning sickness drug Thalidomide said they have been awarded compensation after fighting against a pharmaceutical company for decades. The court has recognized 23 victims, who will receive a minimum of $807,900 from the company, Grunethal, ThinkSpain reported. The chairman of the Thalidomide victims' association, AVITE, said the verdict is historic. "We have regained some of the dignity which we should never have had to have lost, but which we lost before we were born," Chairman Jose Riquelme said. Thalidomide, first prescribed in 1957 as a morning sickness drug, caused a range of deformities in the infants, including missing fingers, elbows and knees. Thousands of babies were affected, and many victims had to undergo amputations as a result of the deformities. Although only 23 victims were awarded compensation, those who feel they have a valid claim should attend court for a medical examination to certify their condition, ThinkSpain said.