PMID: 11624679Oct 20, 2001Paper

The redemption of thalidomide: standardizing the risk of birth defects

Social Studies of Science
S Timmermans, V Leiter

Abstract

In this paper we examine how a standardized drug distribution system contributed to a therapeutic and symbolic make-over of thalidomide. In the 1960s, thalidomide was seen as a horror drug that caused severe birth defects among over 10,000 babies who were exposed to it in utero. Currently, thalidomide is viewed as a potentially life-saving drug which is being distributed in the USA. We discuss this transformation from a social worlds perspective, showing how the standardized drug distribution system normalized the risk of foetal birth defects, while preserving the autonomy of health care professionals. The distribution system accomplished this transformation by focusing on the risk associated with female reproductive behavior, and by providing close reproductive surveillance of female patients. This standardized system solidified social inequalities and professional power relationships, revealing assumptions about trust, responsibility and risk.

Citations

Dec 3, 2002·Medical Anthropology·Linda F Hogle
Aug 4, 2012·Journal of Community Health Nursing·Teri AronowitzSara Davidoff
Jul 22, 2021·Wellcome Open Research·Olivia MarshallJulia Sanders
Sep 10, 2021·Journal of the History of Biology·Brad Bolman

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